3 high school hockey players suspended after 16-year-old teammate commits suicide
McKenna Brown was just 16-years-old when she committed suicide earlier this year. Just says before the start of her senior year McKenna took her own life after being the victim of severe bullying and harrassment. Now the 3 teammates at the center of her bullying have been suspended from their high school hockey team.
McKenna's mother Cheryl provided the update that the 3 players had been suspended by the Lightning High School Hockey League. Cheryl shared details of the harrassment, sharing that her daughter had been harassed both in-person and online. The constant bullying left her daughter with nowhere to turn.
McKenna was set to enter her senior year as a goaltender for her team. Her family described her as the type of person who always wanted to help anyone who felt excluded. Cheryl provided the following updates to Fox News:
According to her mother, McKenna was subjected to constant abuse via text message from the teammate and from a friend who she's traveled with to games for the last 5 years.
McKenna had asked the one friend/teammate if she'd mind if she talked to her ex-boyfriend from two years earlier, and she said it was OK. She then realized a few days later that it wasn't OK with a friend based on how she retaliated.
Cheryl explained, the messages were in response to a message McKenna sent to the teammate apologizing for talking to the teammate's ex-boyfriend.
In doing so, it enraged this particular person and just amped up the attack.
That's when she said the teammate took to social media, encouraging her followers to cut ties with McKenna. "The intent was to cancel her. In fact, one friend, in quotes, said that her mission was to �leave her without a single friend."
McKenna is remembered by many as a kind person, former teammates and others filed complaints on her behalf but unfortunately a resolution didn't come before McKenna took her own life. The school has suspended the 3 player based off of an investigation of breaching their cyber bully policy.
The 3 students accused of bullying the teen attended McKenna's funeral much to the surprise of everyone involved. Hopefully the family and everyone involved finds peace and justice. McKenna's family share they're putting their faith in the investigation at this point to bring justice.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).
Canada: 1-833-456-4566
