Teenage Girl Commits Suicide; Struggled to ‘Stay-at-Home’ During COVID-19 Lockdown in California
A 15-year-old girl in California committed suicide after reportedly struggling to cope with the 'stay-at-home' orders of the state amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to the report, Jo'Vianni Smith was found inside her home lifeless last week, after she hanged herself.
A coach at Bear Creek High School, where Jo'Vianni studied, said that the teenager's cause of death was reportedly due to the pressure and stress she experienced as she coped with self-isolation, which the ongoing pandemic brought.
Danielle Hunt, Jo'Vianni's mother, was devastated, telling Fox 40 that she couldn't think their kids were okay just because, "she felt she was doing all that she could as a parent, to leave an open communication."
She also added, the teenage girl did not leave any note before the incident. A sophomore this year, Jo'Vianni was described by her mom as a loving, bubbly, and the light of her world, and anyone who'd meet her one time, she'd make an impact on their life.
A Stellar Student-Athlete
Aside from his bubbly personality, Jo'Vianni was also described as a "stellar athlete student," who played baseball and basketball.
She was into music, too. One of her former coaches in softball shared a touching note after he found out of her death.
In the note, the coach described Jo'Vianni, whom she called "Jo," as a great athlete, a bright star with a huge heart, and a great personality.
The coach added, it has been extremely challenging to relate to what the young people are going through. He said he has daily conversations with his two high school kids and encourages them to get in touch with their teammates and friends.
She also said she couldn't imagine "what Jo was going through." Jo'Vianni's family and friends took the social media so they could share their sweet tributes for their loved one after they heard the news of her death.
Official Statement
Concerning Jo'Vianni's death, the Lodi Unified School District released an official statement. It said they were deeply saddened when they learned of Jo'Vianni's passing.
The same statement also indicated how well-loved was this teenage girl was by her Bear Creek High community.
Aside from Jo'Vianni, the school officials said, two other students also committed suicide before her.
Jo'Vianni's mom shared she's hoping to raise awareness about mental health and suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has now infected more than half a million Americans and killed over 23,000.
Specifically, the grieving mother said, she'd do her best "to tell my daughter's story," adding that parents should also talk to their children and help them in any emotions they have in this time of pandemic "even if they seem cheerful."
Golden Valley Centers' director of behavioral health, Jorge Fernandez said, resources for mental health are currently available during this COVID-19 outbreak.
He added, there are services they can ask about. More so, they can also reach out to their medical provider, or "call a local suicide hotline to help people cope with this COVID-19 pandemic.
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