
Courtesy NBC News
PHILADELPHIA -- A young boy who was the victim of bullying has died, according
to his family. Bailey O'Neill, who turned 12 on Saturday, was in a coma after
suffering several seizures. His family told NBC10's Katy Zachry that he died at
the hospital on Sunday.
Bailey's family says he was jumped by two classmates during recess at Darby
Township School last January and suffered a concussion as well as a broken nose
as a result. He then began to suffer seizures the next day, forcing doctors to
put him into a medically induced coma. Joy Fecanin, the boy's grandmother, told
NBC10's Katy Zachry that he had to have a blood transfusion after getting
pneumonia.
On Sunday, the following message was posted on the Building
Hope for Bailey Facebook Page:
I would like to thank everyone who has prayed and supported Bailey and his
family!! Bailey has been the strongest toughest boy I know. He has fought this
battle long and hard. There just wasn't a way to fix this. I wish I could say he
will get better but I can't. Bailey has gone to be with God today :( I love you
Jina Risoldi with all my heart and I will help you through this. Bailey I love
you!!! Please keep Baileys family in your prayers!!!
While the students who jumped Bailey were suspended for two days, police have
not yet revealed whether they will be criminally charged.
"I would like to see these kids punished," said Fecanin when she spoke to
Zachry last month. "Something has to be done. I don't know what's taking them so
long."
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan says investigators are trying
to determine if the injuries Bailey received in the fight caused his seizures.
Investigators interviewed kids and recess aides who were on the playground when
the fight broke out.
"We can assure them that we are going to continue with our investigation,"
said Whelan.
Bailey's younger brother was taken out of the school because his parents were
worried that he'd also be the victim of bullying.