Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor.Photo: Tichenor Family
“What happened to her, she did not deserve that,” Jasmine Rhodes, Izzy’s aunt, told reporters at a press conference on Monday. “She deserved opportunities as any other kid deserves opportunities. She deserved to watch her siblings grow up … She just deserved so much more than what she got.”
“She was a happy little girl,” Tichenor-Cox said during the news conference, perKSL News Radio. “But as we all know, even as adults, you know there are some voices that rang higher.”
Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor.Tichenor Family
According toa GoFundMe pageset up on behalf of Izzy’s family, the 10-year-old was “an amazing, kind, and beautiful” girl who “touched the hearts of everyone she came in contact with.”
“She was her mommy’s best friend, the best big sister, and a light in this world,” wrote Tamika Naea, the page’s organizer.
Izzy’sobituaryalso stated that she “loved to sing [and] dance” and “wanted to be a professional dancer in New York or a professional cheerleader when she grew up.”
“She was a beautifully unique soul — full of love and kindness. She was bright and gifted,” the obit said.
“Being a 10-year-old, I don’t know if Izzy understood self-love,” Harris told the outlet. “I just know from what I witnessed from her, being around her, she was proud of being Isabella. She was happy with Isabella.”
Tichenor-Cox also recalled one instance where Izzy brought air freshener to school after the teacher told the class they smelled, which she claimed led to Izzy being tormented more, per the outlet.
Despite everything, Tichenor-Cox said there were no indications that Izzy was contemplating suicide.
On the day that Izzy died, her mom said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Though devastated, Izzy’s family has been speaking out about the tragedy in hopes of raising awareness aboutmental health, suicide and bullying with children.
Added her mom to KSL News Radio: “We need to make sure that whatever flaw our children have, that we make sure they understand [it] is not a flaw. That is what makes you, you. That’s what makes you special.”
A vigil was held for Izzy on Tuesday evening while over $70,000 has been donated in her memory on theGoFundMe page.
“Izzywas always thinking of others. Let us offer love to those who may feel they are not worthy of it. Let us offer a kind word or gesture to those who need to hear and feel it. Let us have conversations about racism, disabilities, bullying and mental illness, even if they are hard and maybe uncomfortable conversations to have. We must have them. Talk to your children, learn who they are and remind them that they are loved,” they said. “We ask that you Stand for Izzy.”
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“The agreement details specific steps the district will take to strengthen its procedures, training and practices for investigation and resolving allegations of racial harassment and discrimination,” the statement continued, in part. “This important work begins immediately and will continue over the next several years. Within the next 30 days, the district will share additional information with parents, staff, and students outlining the initial steps it will take to implement the needed changes.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
