Young Girl Kills Herself at Age 14. Dad Invites Bullies to Her Funeral for Harsh Lesson
Amy Jayne Everett was 6 years old when she was photographed wearing a wide-brimmed Akubra hat. The iconic Australian hats are a symbol of rural outback life.
Amy, more commonly known as Dolly, became the face of the company and a household name. But fame also came with great sorrow as Dolly grew up.
At just 14 years of age, she took her own life.
Dolly was subject to brutal online bullying. Her father, Tick Everett, said she wanted to “escape the evils of this world” and killed herself on Jan. 3, 2018.
Everett knows those “evils” Dolly was referring to were her bullies.
On Jan. 7, Everett took to Facebook to share an emotional post about Dolly’s life. He also took that time to address those people that drove his daughter to death.
“This week has been an example of how social media should be used, it has also been an example of how it shouldn’t be. If we can help other precious lives from being lost and the suffering of so many, then Doll’s life will not be wasted.”
Dolly was described by her family as a “caring, beautiful soul.” Her family shared with BBC a recent drawing Dolly had done, featuring a skinny figure bent over backwards.
The words underneath the figure read “Speak even if your voice shakes.” Her family said, “This powerful message tells the dark, scary place our beautiful angel had traveled to.”
In Everett’s Facebook post, he also issued a challenge to his precious daughter’s bullies.
“Firstly if by some chance the people who thought this was a joke and made themselves feel superior by the constant bullying and harassment see this post, please come to our service and witness the complete devastation you have created.”
He went on to challenge “the strong ones.” Encouraging them to not let bullies win and to work together to stop them.
Akruba Hats was “shocked and distressed” to hear about Dolly’s death. They, too, have now joined the conversation and are helping to spread awareness about bullying.
The Everett family have set up a foundation in Dolly’s name called Dolly’s Dream. The foundation hopes to support charities and bring about positive change.
The foundation’s Facebook page has been flooded with tributes to Dolly and her dream “for a better world alive.”
One of those supporters summed it up perfectly. “Thank you Everett family for showing so much strength during this tragic circumstance and wanting to make a difference.”
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