Latest news with #Jalyah
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Family of bullied student Jalyah Thompson appeals to Rockford Mayor for change
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Almost two months have passed since 11-year-old Eisenhower Middle School student Jalyah Thompson took her own life, according to her family. Her aunt, Kyla Trevino, said the family is still processing their grief. 'After the funeral, people kind of went on with their lives. They have work. They have things to do. But for the family, we are still struggling. And, you know, today is kind of hard because I'm still not comfortable talking about her without getting emotional,' she said. On Friday, Trevino, who started the group 'With Love, Jalyah,' met with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara to ensure other children don't experience the same tragic fate. The family maintains that was a victim of bullying beginning in November 2024. They say, that the bullying was what led to Jalyah taking her life. 'We came out here to talk to the mayor to get some pointers and advice on how to pursue with, you know, sharing this story and getting things out there and trying to get things started in her honor,' Trevino said. McNamara said the City affirmed its commitment to help the family see change through. 'We do not forget Jalyah's name and that we as a community, through this tragedy, through this tremendous amount of pain, use it as a driver of purpose, a driver of making sure that other children in our community don't have to go through this and have those same feelings that Jalyah obviously had towards the end of her life,' he said. The family hopes to have a day established in Jalyah's name, not only to spread awareness of bullying but to celebrate a bright light that dimmed too soon. Anyone who wants further updates, visit the 'With Love Jalyah' Facebook . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rockford middle school student Jalyah Thompson laid to rest on Friday
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Family and friends gathered for the funeral of 11-year-old Jalyah Thompson on Friday. The funeral and visitation took place at City First Church. Jalyah was an 11-year-old student at Eisenhower Middle School. Her family said she took her own life on Friday, February 21st, after being a victim of bullying. On Monday, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Northern Illinois (NAMI) will hold a panel discussion at the Nordloff Center, 118 N Main Street, titled 'An Evening of Hope, Healing, and Help.' The event will provide resources, therapists, and mental health professionals, aiming to begin the healing process throughout the community. 'If an audience member is triggered or is overwhelmed, and they want someone to talk to, all I ask is that you raise your hand when you're walking out, and one of our professionals will follow you so that you can have a confidential conversation in another part of the building,' said certified recovery support specialist Jeanette Towns. The discussion will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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.
