Community responds to Jalyah Thompson's death, promotes mental health awareness
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — NAMI of Northern Illinois hosted an evening of Hope, Healing and Help in response to the tragic death of Jalyah Thompson, and community members spoke out in support of mental health awareness.
Jalyah's great-uncle Darrell Gregg said he took the night as an opportunity to reflect and honor her life, and how quickly it ended.
'She was a fun girl; everybody loved to talk to her,' Gregg said. 'They said she'd like to joke around. Sometimes we just don't know. Even though you have a smile on your face, you really just don't know.'
Jalyah's family said she took her own life after being bullied. Gregg said Jalyah's family has dealt with extreme loss over the years.
'Her mother passed away when she was probably about two or three months old, so seeing my nephew deal with another loss in his life, it hurts me to see that,' Gregg said.
Lots of community members showed their sympathy and support Monday night including New Zion Baptist Church Pastor K. Edward Copeland.
Copeland said he feels heartbroken by Jalyah's death and thinks the entire community can help prevent these tragedies.
'Parents can do all they can do, but the rest of the community has to do what it's supposed to do,' Copeland said, 'and that is surround our children and make sure that parents are being supported, the children are being supported, and those who are working with them are getting everything they need to help them to thrive.'
Mental health advocates and organizations throughout the area were also at the event, educating attendees on the resources available.
Crisis Intervention Specialist with the National Youth Advocate Program Logan White offered advice to those personally struggling and those who may know someone struggling.
'See the individual that is going through that trauma, walk through that process with them, make them feel like they're not alone in that process,' White said.
Copeland said he encourages community members to find more ways to support one another.
'We all need to take responsibility for one another because either we're going to live together and thrive, or we're going to stay separated and live in trauma and tragedy,' Copeland said. 'We don't have to live that way. We can come together as a community, and this is an effort to get that started.'
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, dial 988.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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