A New Jersey mother is looking for justice on behalf of her 11-year-old daughter. A student at F.W. Holbein School in Mount Holly, New Jersey, found Felicia LoAlbo-Melendezâs body in their schoolâs bathroom. She died by suicide. Before her death, the girl complained repeatedly about the bullying she was experiencing at school.
Her mother, Elaina LoAlbo, said her daughterâs words fell on deaf ears. But now that her daughter is gone, she is working to make sure she will not be silenced forever.
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LoAlbo-Melendez took her life in early February.
A fellow student found LoAlbo-Melendez unconscious on February 6 in a closed bathroom stall, People reported.
Officials immediately contacted emergency services and she was rushed to the Childrenâs Hospital of Philadelphia. She was pronounced dead two days later. Eventually, a Philadelphia medical examiner determined that LoAlbo-Melendez died by suicide. The cause of death were complications due to the attempt.
Authorities do not suspect foul play.
Surveillance footage obtained by the Burlington County Prosecutorâs Office found that there was no foul play in LoAlbo-Melendezâs death, according to NJ.com. She was in the bathroom alone at the time of the suicide attempt.
Days before, LoAlbo-Melendez reportedly emailed school administrators looking for help. She claimed that she and her friends were being bullied and that the school was âbreaking the lawsâ by refusing to take action.
LoAlbo-Melendez wrote to the school's administration about bullying, but never heard back.
LoAlbo-Melendezâs mother said no one ever responded. âShe herself had written numerous emails to the administration detailing the events, yet no one was every questioned,â LoAlbo told NJ.com. In one email, LoAlbo-Melendez asked to start a trauma club.
"I was watching TV and thinking about the things in my life that happened to me and I got a great idea," she wrote. "Instead of drama club, it would be a trauma club ⌠I would help and provide as much as I can. It would need a room that is not too big and not too small. We would need a couple of chairs, too. But I hope this does happen. I for one have heard from my friends and others about things that have happened to them and I think this would be a fantastic thing. Have a great night. Go dragons."
LoAlbo-Melendez had recently lost her father to cancer.
LoAlbo-Melendez never received a response. In addition to the trauma she experienced at the hands of her peers, the girl was also dealing with the recent death of her father, NJ Transit Detective Alexis Melendez.
He died of pancreatic cancer two weeks before her own death, the Daily Voice reported. In a tribute to Melendez, the transit police said he would be remembered for his âhard work and dedication, his cheerful demeanor, and his deep laugh. No matter the assignment or detail, Detective Melendez's presence was always an asset."
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One parent said the school's response has been 'pathetic.'
As for her obituary, LoAlbo-Melendez is described as "a compassionate human everyone wishes they could be. Felicia was truly kind and selfless who inspired others with her radiant personality. She was the most loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend that will be deeply missed," People reported.
Seth Turner, whose daughter was friends with LoAlbo-Melendez, said she was âone of the brightest kids I have ever known.â Turner said his daughter knew LoAlbo-Melendez was being bullied and she confided in him.
"I failed to convey this information to any teachers or staff in time for anything to be done, and I need to apologize for this," he said. "While no response to the death of an 11-year-old girl can ever be truly adequate, our response to this tragedy so far has been pathetic."
Her mother vowed to keep fighting for her.
In addition to the concerns about the way LoAlbo-Melendezâs school handled or mishandled the accusations, LoAlbo believes the prosecutorâs office is repeating the pattern by sweeping information under the rug.
âThis tragic end makes no sense and could have been prevented," LoAlbo told Daily Voice. "It is now my lifeâs mission to make sure her legacy lives on and these tragic stories are given a voice. No parent should have to get that call."
LoAlbo-Melendez is survived by her mother and two older brothers as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
