TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.
Nadiya Santiago loved soccer and boxing. The 11-year-old also enjoyed spending time outside with her siblings playing, but school was evidently a different story. Nadiya allegedly faced endless bullying that apparently took her to a breaking point. On May 19, 2026, the little girl took her own life. The middle school student left behind a heartbroken family that wants answers and accountability. Nadiya should still be with her family, but an apparently broken system let down the child and her parents.
Nadiya’s exact cause of death remains a mystery.
Per the Daily Mail, the family did not share her exact cause of death, but Nadiya reportedly died by suicide. She attended Frontier Middle School in Hamburg, New York, not far from Buffalo. In a GoFundMe account created by her sister-in-law, Nadia Dicioccio, she explained that the sweet middle school student faced social challenges.
“Bullying is a terrible thing and takes the lives of thousands of children each year. We hope to raise awareness and support for families facing similar struggles,” Dicioccio wrote. “Thank you for standing with us and helping Nadiya’s family when they need it most.”
The school principal released a statement following Nadiya’s death.
WIVB obtained a copy of a letter sent to parents by Frontier Middle School Principal Daniel Charland regarding Nadiya’s death.
“It is with profound sorrow that I write to inform you of the passing of one of our students. This loss is heartbreaking and sudden. Our hearts are with the family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” the letter reads in part. “Our student was a sweet member of our school community, known for their smile, gracious heart, and academic curiosity. In their time at Frontier Middle School, our student touched the lives of many, both students and staff.”
The school offered additional counselors and mental health support for families navigating this challenging time.
Some believe the school let down Nadiya and her family.
A post on the Sweet Buffalo Facebook page became a hotbed of comments condemning the school and its alleged response to bullies.
“Frontier school has nothing to do with bulling towards school and offers no help. My children where sweapt under the rug when they lost their daddy and several times I had the police involved and still no help From the people that said they would help them..this poor family and their loss is so tragic..wake up Frontier and [h]elp the inaccessible child,” one parent shared.
Others shared their heartbreak for Nadiya’s pain.
“Bullying is such a pervasive form of evil, this is incomprehensibly heartbreaking,” someone else commented. “The trauma that children who are victims of bullying face can be lifelong. I am so sorry to this beautiful baby.”
According to the fundraiser, Nadiya’s family will use money raised for the “sudden burden of funeral arrangements, moving costs, and legal fees as they seek justice and healing.”
Nadiya’s family wants to start their lives over and leave this horrific chapter behind them. May this tragedy be the impetus for change and accountability. No child should ever die this way.
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.
