Rockford's community remembers Jalyah Thompson at balloon release
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Several Rockford community members gathered to remember 11-year-old Jalyah Noel Thompson, who family members said took her own life last Friday.
Balloons were released in memory of Thompson at Eisenhower Middle School Friday evening.
Thompson's family said she killed herself after being bullied at school.
Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Ehren Jarrett encouraged the community to take responsibility and action to prevent youth suicide.
'While Rockford Public Schools invests nearly $30 million annually in social-emotional support across our schools, we recognize that this is just the beginning. True change requires a collective effort, and we know that with the support of our community partners, we can do even more to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and valued,' Jarrett said in a letter to parents sent on Tuesday.
Thompson's family has started two GoFundMe pages in the wake of her death.
'Jalyah left us at eleven-and-one-half years old far, far too early to seek and reach her desire to become a nail technician. True to girls her age, Jalyah wore pink, loved Hello Kitty fashion, gave attention to her hair and nails, took many selfies, listened to Billy Eilish and Sza,' her grandmother, Arlain Thompson, wrote on one .
'Heartbroken, we want others to know that with more kindness and less bullying, Jalyah would still be with us today,' she added.
Another was started by her uncle, Darrell Gregg.
'It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Jalyah Noel. At just 11 years old, Jalyah was a bright light in our lives—full of love, laughter, and kindness. Her beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts,' Gregg wrote.
The City of Rockford for children struggling with grief, loss, bullying, isolation, suicidal thoughts, or hopelessness on Monday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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