Authorities in California are looking into the tragic death of a student, which is being treated as a suicide, amid reports of bullying.
Jose Emiliano Zamora, a 14-year-old student from a school in Santa Clara, Calif., passed away on November 6, as noted in an online obituary.
A week later, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Santa Clara Unified School District shared a video statement on Facebook to confirm the death.
Jose’s father, Jose Bautista, shared with FOX 4 News that his son had recently begun attending Santa Clara High School just a few months prior.
According to Bautista, a member of the junior varsity football team at his school, Jose, was reportedly facing bullying due to his homelessness.
“They were spitting on him, hitting him on the back of the helmet,” said Bautista, who heard about the alleged bullying from fellow students at the school.
Bautista and Jose faced eviction from their apartment earlier this year, with the teenager currently residing at a shelter, according to FOX 4 News. A spokesperson indicated that the boy was receiving care for mental health issues at the facility.
The shelter has yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Our connections were deepening. “He was hoping for a home rather than staying in the shelter,” the heartbroken father shared with FOX 4 News.
Jose’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses, raising over $100,000 in just a week, as many express their condolences regarding the reported bullying.
“Sending warmth and support.” “Feel free to use this money in any way you see fit,” shared one contributor, who reflected on their struggles with homelessness and bullying from teammates during their teenage years, even contemplating suicide.
“I faced bullying from the affluent students at my school during my childhood. “I couldn’t just sit back and not contribute to your family,” expressed another supporter. “I hope that the support from the community has provided you with even a little solace during this heartbreaking time.”
In a video statement released on Wednesday, Dr. Gary Waddell, Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District, expressed, “If bullying contributed to Jose’s suicide, it is completely unacceptable.” “Just a single occurrence is unacceptable.”
He mentioned that there has been some “serious disciplinary action” taken after a district investigation and that the district is “fully cooperating” with the police inquiry.
The Santa Clara police have yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comments.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Source: Calif. Teen Died by Suicide After Allegedly Being Bullied for Being Homeless, Dad Says
