Bullied gay Oregon teen dies

Jadin Bell

PORTLAND — Jadin Bell, 15, who was taken off life support last week, died from injuries sustained when he hung himself from a play structure at La Grande Central Elementary School.

Bell’s story made headlines after the high school sophomore attempted suicide after complaining of bullying to a school counselor. Friends expressed shock at the suicide, however, saying that aside from the bullying, Bell — a star student and member of the cheer squad — seemed otherwise happy and well adjusted.

Bell walked into a room “and filled it with fresh air,” longtime family friend Bud Hill told the Oregonian. “He had so much life, and he loved sharing it. He had the knack to say the right thing to pick up your spirits.”

However, sources tell news blog Raw Story that Jadin was unhappy at school and had repeatedly asked his parents to allow him to be home schooled.