A bullied boy from Philadelphia has died Monday after being the victim of a brutal attack which left him in a medically-induced coma for almost two months, his family told NBC Philadelphia.
Bailey O'Neill, who turned 12 on Saturday, was allegedly beaten by two classmates on the playground during recess at Darby Township School.
The attack caused him to suffer a concussion as well as a broken nose. He then began to suffer seizures the next day, forcing doctors to put him into a medically induced coma. O'Neill also contracted pneumonia and had to undergo a blood transfusion.
"Bailey has been the strongest toughest boy I know," a message posted Sunday to the Building Hope for Bailey Facebook page read. "He has fought this battle long and hard. There just wasn't a way to fix this. I wish I could say he will get better but I can't. Bailey has gone to be with God today."
"Our school community is deeply saddened by this loss," schools Superintendent Stephen Butz said in a statement Monday. "Our condolences are with Bailey's family and friends during this very difficult time."
Meanwhile, the police have been reluctant to label the attack a case of "bullying," according to the Delaware County Times. Whelan's office is awaiting the results of an autopsy, and could decide to file charges if a connection is found between the altercation and O'Neill's subsequent injuries, spokeswoman Emily Harris said.
"I would like to see these kids punished," Joy Fecanin, Bailey's grandmother, told NBC 10 last month. "Something has to be done. I don't know what's taking them so long."
