A teenage boy took his own life after being bullied for being homeless, his father has revealed.
Jose Zamora, 14, died by suicide last week just three months after starting at Santa Clara High, California.
His father Jose Bautista said his son’s death was the result of a relentless bullying campaign by his classmates.
The teen, who played junior varsity football for the school, had been living at the Bill Wilson Center shelter since he and his dad were evicted from their apartment last year.
‘They were spitting on him, hitting him on the back of the helmet,’ Bautista told Fox4.
Zamora was receiving mental health treatment at the shelter, according to his grieving father.
He said the two had been reconnecting in recent months and he had hoped to find a new place for them for the holidays.
‘We were bonding more. He was waiting for a place to live instead of the shelter,’ Bautista said.
The police department and local school district are now investigating Zamora’s death.
‘Administrators have already taken initial actions in response,’ School Superintendent Gary Waddell said in a written statement.
‘We in no way condone bullying, harassment, or retribution of any kind and take any such allegations seriously.
‘We strive to provide as many facts as possible to the community while preserving our duty to protect the privacy and confidentiality of both students and families.’
But for Bautista, who has since set up a fundraiser to help with funeral costs, the assurances have come too late. He questioned if enough is being done to investigate his son’s death.
‘I miss hearing him, seeing him. I miss picking him up,’ Bautista added.
‘Our community grieves the profound loss of one of our young souls. At only 14 years old, Jose Emiliano Zamora was a beloved child, friend and bright light in the lives of many,’ Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmore said.
‘Despite difficult circumstances since birth, Jose touched so many with his kindness, spirit and potential.
‘Described as so full of love and so ambitious to be the best at everything he could possibly do, his young life was cut too short.
‘To Jose Emiliano Zamora’s family, our hearts break alongside yours, and we are here for you in every way we can be.’
If you or someone you know if thinking of suicide, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.
