New Jersey Sixth Grader Commited Suicide in School Bathroom After Allegations of Bullying, the Devastation Comes Days After Father’s Passing

A sixth-grade student, identified by her mom as Felicia LoAlbo-Melendez, was found inside a bathroom stall unresponsive around 1 p.m. on Feb. 6 at F.W. Holbein School in Mount Holly.

“Help was immediately sought from staff members, and lifesaving measures were taken by school officials, police, and emergency medical technicians,” the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office told New Jersey 101.5.

“The student was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and then transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was pronounced dead on Feb. 8,” according to the Prosecutor’s office.

The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the sixth-grader died from suicide.

“An investigation into the student’s death by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, which included a review of the school’s surveillance cameras, determined that she was alone in the restroom when this tragic action occurred,” the office said.

Her death came shortly after her father ( NJ Transit Detective Alexis Melendez )died of pancreatic cancer .  According to her mother, Felica emailed the school about a week before her passing, informing them that she and her friends were being bullied.

“She herself had written numerous emails to the administration detailing the events, yet no one was ever questioned,” her mom, Elaina LoAlbo, told NJ.com on Saturday.

“They have swept under the rug the bullying that she and so many other kids in that school have encountered and now they’re doing the same with this investigation,” said her mom.

A quote from her email said: “I was watching TV and thinking about the things in my life that happened to me and I got a great idea. Instead of drama club, it would be a trauma club … I would help and provide as much as I can.

“It would need a room that is not too big and not too small. We would need a couple of chairs too. But I hope this does happen. I for one have heard from my friends and others about things that have happened to them and I think this would be a fantastic thing. Have a great night. Go dragons,” Felicia is said to have written.

“Felicia’s last email in the week before her passing expressed to her school that her and her friends were being bullied, that laws were present to protect them, and that they were breaking the law by not taking action,” LoAlbo said.

LoAlbo also shared a chilling voice message Felicia left in 2021.

“Unless you’re me, well you’re listening to this from the future,” Felicia is heard saying. “Say hello to future Mom, future Dad … future everyone. Never, never, never be bad, never give up on your friends, never, ever … be a bully.”

The school board declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.

24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.