By Dan Murphy
Many questions remain surrounding the death of 10-year old Gianlukas “Lukas” Illescas, of Peekskill, who died on May 25. Lukas’ parents say that their son committed suicide; the Westchester Medical Examiner determined that Lukas died of accidental asphyxia, or a lack of oxygen.
Lukas was a student at Hillcrest Elementary School in Peekskill. According to his parents, Lukas was the victim of relentless bullying, and that is the reason that he took his own life.
Lukas’ father, Christian Illescas, and a number of family members and supporters, attended a Peekskill School Board meeting on June 6 to claim that nothing was done to protect Lukas from the bullying, or to deal with the situation.
“You didn’t have time? Five minutes. I don’t know how you can sleep. I don’t know how. They say they can’t help me because they’re too busy. I have nothing to lose. My son is gone. So, all I want now is justice for other kids.”
Christian Illescas added that his sone was so scared of the bullying that he begged his family to let him stay home, and that the bullying went on for months
Other parents at the meeting said that their children were the victims of bullying and demanded that the school district take action. Negligence was also alleged against the school district.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with Lukas’ funeral costs. The page (gofund.me/69c3accf) reads, “Please let us show a unified front to protect our children from senseless neglect from school administration, and harsh bullying. Our children deserve to feel safe and heard at school!! Bullying is responsible for the death of a 10-year-old child! Lukas was robbed of his future. He will never get to graduate with his friends, make memories alongside his family, and have a life full of choices and adventure! His family and friends are heartbroken and beyond devastated. Please show your support by making a small donation to help with the funeral cost, the family relocating after this tragedy, and anything else the family needs to get back on their feet. Or you can also help by simply sharing Lukas’s story. How many more children need to suffer for there to be change?”
Members of the Latino community in Peekskill have been among the most vocal after Lukas’ death, and in claiming that nothing was done to prevent his death.
One parent we spoke to in Peekskill said, “Do they know who the bully is? How is he being disciplined or punished? Did he commit a crime? Is it time to stop coddling those in our society who are abusing us?”
We all know that bullying is a national problem. The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a national nonprofit organization formed following the May 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting & dedicated to ending school violence, has announced that it has received numerous requests for assistance as well as an independent review of the recent bullying related suicide death of 10 year old student, Lukas Illescas; a former student at Hillcrest Elementary school.
Foundation officials noted in the release that numerous reports have already been documented on bullying incidents at the school. Family membrs, among others, have charged the school with failing to intervene on behalf of the student & others over a period of months and even years.
The foundation noted that it will begin to interview students and parents independently regarding concerns. The foundation noted it is extending resources to the school community; including a 24 hour student bullying support line & mental health resources stating that it hopes to serve as a third party intermediary between school and district administration & the family of the student and those also expressing similar concerns.
Anyone who wishes to contact The Uvalde Foundation For Kids can call, 888 685 8464.
About one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property, and more than one in six high school students reported being bullied online in the last year, according to the CDC.
Nearly 14% of public schools report that bullying is a discipline problem occurring daily or at least once a week, the CDC says.
The federal government provided resources for parents, victims and school districts on stopbullying.gov, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable,” the website states. “Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK 8255 or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
