Bailey O'Neill, a comatose Pennsylvania boy who was hospitalized in January after reportedly being punched in the face by a schoolyard bully, died Sunday, a day after his 12th birthday.
The sixth grader from Darby Township School, about 12 miles southwest of Philadelphia, was reportedly bullied by two classmates on Jan. 10. One of them allegedly punched the boy in the face, breaking his nose and giving him a concussion,
Philly.com reported.
Doctors at DuPont Hospital in Delaware checked out O'Neill and released him that day. However, several days later, he started experiencing violent seizures, forcing physicians to put the child in a medically-induced coma.
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On Sunday, O'Neill was removed from life support.
No charges have been filed yet against the two alleged bullies. Darby Township police are investigating the situation and have not made a direct connection between O'Neill's seizures and the trauma he experienced in the schoolyard.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan is also investigating the incident, reviewing surveillance cameras from the schoolyard.
When the autopsy is complete investigators hope to know what caused the boy's seizures that likely led to his death.
Stephen Butz, superintendent of the Southeast Delco School District, released a statement Monday.
"Late yesterday, we were informed about the death of Bailey O'Neill," wrote Butz. "Our school community is deeply saddened by this loss. Our condolences are with Bailey's family and friends during this very difficult time."
A Facebook page in memory of O'Neill has been set up.
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"First of all I want to say the battle isn't over. We will remember Bailey always and we will continue this fight until Bullying is eradicated," one school administrator wrote. "With the heaviest heart we want to inform you all that Bailey has gone to be with the Lord. Please, please, please continue to pray for his family and continue on this fight for us until no child ever has to face a situation like this again."
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