Nanticoke teen completes suicide, friends and family cite extreme bullying at school

Nanticoke community mourns Joshuah Delos Santos, 13

We have learned that yet another youth in Pennsylvania has completed suicide in relation toextreme bullying in school. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Joshuah Delos Santos, a resident of Nanticoke in northeastern Pennsylvania. Joshuah shot himself at the age of 13 in his parents’ home on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, incidents like this happen all too often. According to the Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative, suicide claims the lives of over 1,300 Pennsylvanians each year – an average of 3.5 lives each day. It is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24.

An article in Citizens’ Voice said that many speaking at a vigil for Joshuah at Patriot Square on Wednesday criticized what they called “bullies” who they said drove Delos Santos to take his own life. A Facebook tribute page to the teen showed similar complaints from classmates. At the vigil the Rev. James Nash urged the crowd to help stop bullying in the community.

Details are still coming forth about the circumstances leading up to Joshuah’s death. PSEC will be closely following these developments.

PSEC is committed to advocating for safer, supportive school environments through local and state policies. Ending bullying and creating safe and welcoming learning environments can truly save students’ lives.

As a reminder: if you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, there are hotlines available for Pennsylvania youth including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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