BERKELEY – A vigil in memory of Adriana Kuch was attended by dozens of people who want to make sure what happened to her never happens to anyone else.
Adriana, 14, committed suicide after being attacked in school and then bullied on social media because her attackers shared the video of it online.
Close friends of the family gathered on the stage at Veterans Park and brought flowers. Many of the people gathered released balloons with messages written to her. Students drew posters with statements like “Say her name,” “Rest in paradise,” and “Forever in our hearts; always on our mind.”
But they also said things like “Stop the cover-ups at Central Regional” and “Rest easy Adriana. Justice will be served.”
There was more than sadness at this vigil, there was anger, calling for the officials in the district to be fired: Assistant Superintendent Doug Corbett, High School Principal Irene Marousis, and chief academic officer (who is the anti-bullying coordinator) Thomas Gallahue. Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides resigned the next day.
A friend of the family started a cheer “What do we want? (Justice!) Who do we want it for? (Adriana!) When do we want it? (Now!)”
Several elected officials were also in attendance. Councilman James Byrnes addressed the crowd asking everyone to pray that “something like this never happens again in our lifetime.”
He also thanked the students for coming forward and standing up for what they believed in. “If you never stepped up, it would’ve been swept under a rug.”
Nearby schools held programs to talk about bullying, social media, and suicide.
The police department and the prosecutor’s office couldn’t comment on the case because it involves juveniles. Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer stopped by a rally held in front of the school the week after her death.
“I’m heartbroken for this family and the loss of this young girl,” Billhimer said in an email to this newspaper. “She had her whole life ahead of her. It’s a tragic situation for all involved. Anytime something like this happens, we all need to ask ourselves if we are doing enough to address the mental health needs of our youth. It’s important for kids to know that every situation in life is temporary. Nothing is worth taking your own life. Things will get better. Parents, teachers, administrators, friends and family – there is someone out there that cares about you. Please ask for help before you make a decision that you can’t come back from. Your life is too precious.”
Fundraiser For The Family
No one is ever prepared when tragedy hits. That’s certainly the case with the Kuch family.
“Adriana was a wonderful and brave daughter who touched the lives of those around her. We are all devastated by her loss and were not prepared for the high cost of the expenses to come,” said her aunt, Sami Nye, who started the GoFundMe that can be found at gofund.me/028f8bac.
“We want to give Adriana the memorial she deserves to honor her memory. I am currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of Adriana’s funeral as well as other legal expenses as we seek justice for her,” she said.
GoFundMe reached out to this newspaper to confirm that the fundraiser has been verified and that the money is going to the family.
As of this writing, the fundraiser has reached $30,000.
If You Need Help
Depression and feelings of hopelessness are more prevalent than anyone would like to admit. You are not alone. This is a time to reach out to each other and be there for one another. There are a number of resources available for help.
“Ocean’s Harbor House does work with many teens and families and provides shelter, support and services for youth in our region,” said Tricia Bradly, director of programs. “We don’t focus on suicide specifically but we do counsel many youth who have been involved in bullying incidents. Following up on this tragedy we will be reaching out to Central Regional High School to make them aware of our shelter and counseling services so that in the future they have another resource available to their students.”
The State of New Jersey has created a new helpline. By dialing or texting 988, you can receive help for yourself or someone you love in a mental health crisis.
The National Suicide Prevention hotline is 1-800-273-TALK.
2nd Floor is for young people to discuss both everyday and serious problems. Calling (888) 222-2228 will put you in touch with professional staff and trained volunteers with non-judgmental responses.
They are there to assist callers with any topic including: bullying, family problems or divorce, sex and sexuality, problems with friends / peer pressure, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, self harm, substance abuse, school stress, family abuse, dating violence, and living with a disability.
Contact of Ocean and Monmouth Counties has two phone numbers to call: 732-240-6100 or 609-693-5834.
“We are here for anyone who is in trouble, lonely, depressed, and suicidal or someone who just needs a person to listen to them,” they said. They don’t offer advice or try to solve another person’s problems, but they offer a safe space for callers to talk about their problems. When appropriate, they can make referrals to other community services that are available to the caller.
