Investigation Has Found No Evidence Bullying Led to Park Forest Middle School Student’s Death, SCASD Superintendent Says

State College Area School District has received multiple reports singling out individuals for bullying in connection with a Park Forest Middle School student's death , but Superintendent Curtis Johnson said Thursday that an investigation has so far "found no evidence that any one person or incident is responsible."

The parents of 14-year-old Abby Smith, of Port Matilda, also said they do not believe bullying led to her death by suicide on May 12, Johnson wrote in a message to families.

In the days after the eighth-grader's death, the district has received numerous Safe2Say reporting line tips and other communications that specific individuals had bullied her.

"Regarding the various rumors circulating this week, we want you to know that Abby’s parents have shared with us that they were not aware of Abby being bullied, and that they do not believe it was the reason she died by suicide," Johnson wrote. "Moreover, SCASD administration and law enforcement agencies have been investigating this tragedy in great detail. At this time, we have found no evidence that any one person or incident is responsible. Additionally, we did not receive any related Safe2Say reports beforehand."

Johnson implored families to talk with their older children about the issue and "urge them not to spread these rumors." Abby's family also "respectfully asks everyone not to engage in conversations reinforcing misinformation," he wrote.

Parents are encouraged to monitor their children's social media and to report any credible evidence related to possible bullying, such as screenshots or photos, Johnson added.

'A Loving, Creative, Fiercely Protective, Determined Old Soul'

Park Forest Middle School Principal Karen Wiser earlier this week remembered Abby as "a kind, bright young woman who brightened the lives of those around her through her warm smile, caring spirit, and involvement in activities like the symphonic band and school band as well as Girl Scouts.”

Abby's obituary described her as "a loving, creative, fiercely protective, determined old soul with a large group of family and friends who loved her immensely."

Throughout her life, Abby was active in a variety of interests. Athletically inclined, she tried her hand at golf, softball, soccer and swimming, and spent more than five years in competitive gymnastics.

Her musical endeavors included piano, violin and percussion, and after performing in the middle school concert and symphonic bands, she already signed up to join the State High marching band drumline for when she was to enter high school in the fall.

A Girl Scout Cadette who had been in the Scouts for nine years, Abby was working toward her Silver Award. She also had a love for creating, sharing the joy of crafting with her mother and a passion for cooking with her father.

Despite her allergies, Abby had a love for the outdoors as well, and was planning to be a leader-in-training this summer at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, where she had attended camps from an early age, according to her obituary.

Prior to middle school, Abby attended Gray's Woods Elementary School. She has a younger sister and an older brother who attend district schools.

Her death has been met with an outpouring of community support for her family. A Meal Train donation page has raised nearly $50,000 and a GoFundMe has raised nearly $8,000 as of Thursday night.

“Abby may have passed far too soon, but the memories, compassion and integrity she embodied will live on in our hearts,” Wiser wrote.

Viewings were scheduled for Thursday evening and Friday morning, with a funeral service on Friday afternoon.

Counselors remain available to students in school, and the district encouraged families to utilize online resources available for talking with their children about suicide. Immediate support is available by calling 988 for the Center for Community Resources crisis line or using the Safe2Say reporting system, and the district provided a list of local therapy providers that have current openings for clients.

Johnson wrote in his message on Thursday that the school community is "moving through the stages of grief at different paces," which has caused some "to begin blaming others instead of being supportive."

"My hope is this information helps create more understanding, and our conversations turn to remembering Abby as the nurturing and loving young woman she was," Johnson wrote. "In the coming days, let's focus on helping each other and caring for one another. Thank you for coming together during this difficult time."

The post Investigation Has Found No Evidence Bullying Led to Park Forest Middle School Student’s Death, SCASD Superintendent Says appeared first on StateCollege.com .