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'It breaks my heart': Teen takes own life after surviving mass school shooting


A teenager who survived a mass school shooting has taken her life after struggling to deal with the tragedy.

Sydney Aiello’s mum Cara told CBS Miami the teenager had survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder following the incident.

She was also scared to be in a classroom and was close friends with Meadow Pollack, one of the victims who died in the shooting.

Sydney Aiello took her own life after the school shooting. Source: Facebook/Sydney Aiello
Sydney Aiello took her own life after the school shooting. Source: Facebook/Sydney Aiello

Sydney died on March 17 after surviving the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Seventeen people were killed after gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire at the US high school on February 14 last year.

Sydney was 19 and described on a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for her family as a beloved daughter, sister and friend to many.

Meadow Pollack (left) with Sydney Aiello before the shooting. Source: Sydney Aiello/Facebook
Meadow Pollack (left) with Sydney Aiello before the shooting. Source: Sydney Aiello/Facebook

“She lit up every room she entered,” the page said.

“She filled her days cheerleading, doing yoga, and brightening up the days of others.

“Sydney aspired to work in the medical field helping others in need.”

Nikolas Cruz is accused of killing 17 people in a school shooting on February 14, 2018. Source: Getty
Nikolas Cruz is accused of killing 17 people in a school shooting on February 14, 2018. Source: Getty

Almost $40,000 has been raised for the teen’s family.

Ryan Petty, whose daughter Alaina died in the massacre, spoke of his grief over Sydney’s death.

“It breaks my heart that we’ve lost yet another student from Stoneman Douglas,” Mr Petty told US news outlet CBS 4 News.

“My advice to parents is to ask questions, don’t wait.”

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.