Family of boy who took his own life sues school for 'withholding details of bullying'
The family of an eight-year-old boy who killed himself in January is taking legal action against his school claiming they tried to cover up a bullying episode just days before his death.
Video of the alleged bullying was released by Carson Elementary School in Cincinnati in the US, and shows a number of children picking on Gabriel Taye.
Gabriel is seen shaking a student's hand in the video when another student comes from behind him and pushes him over, ABC News in the US reports.
It's alleged several minutes passed with Gabriel lying on the floor while other students hit and kick him, before an adult came to help.
The family have now filed a federal lawsuit against the child's school system and some of its administrators.
The assault left Gabriel unconscious for more than seven minutes, according to the family's claim.
They're accusing the school of covering up the incident.
School officials "deliberately withheld vital information from his mother, including that he had been assaulted, lost consciousness for a considerable period of time and was at risk of a serious head injury," according to the lawsuit.
"Defendants informed his mother only that Gabe had fainted in the boys' restroom and had recovered completely."
Pictured: Teen killed with mum on ride home from teacher interviews
Firefighter sneaks up to save woman preparing to jump off bridge
That concealment "prevented his mother from seeking appropriate treatment", the suit alleges.
"Had she known of the extreme violence at Carson, she never would have continued to send him to school there,"
The family's attorney alleges the video clearly shows other students attacking Gabriel while the now retired principal Mary Ronan said the video only shows that Gabrielle fainted and it doesn't demonstrate any connection to his death.
Cincinnati Public Schools released a statement in response to the lawsuit calling the death "tragic."
"Now that litigation has been initiated, we offer no further comments regarding this matter at this time," it reads.
"As we have stated previously pertaining to Gabriel's passing, our hearts are broken by the loss of this child, and our thoughts are with his parents and extended family. He was an outstanding young man, and this is a great loss for his family and our school community."
Prosecutors investigated Gabrielle's death and closed the case without charges.
The coroner ruled his death a suicide.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36.
