'A serious epidemic:' Parent, anti-bullying advocate, speak out after 2nd Greenfield High School suicide

GREENFIELD -- Two students from Greenfield High School have died by suicide in the last six weeks. The father of one of the students who died in October -- devastated from his loss -- said he's determined to help others.

Carlos Hernandez said on Wednesday, Nov. 20 he was just beginning to heal and process his grief following the death of his son Anthony -- a sophomore at Greenfield High School.

"He was the air that I breathe every day," Hernandez said. "I still can't believe it. I still don't understand. This is the worst pain you could ever imagine in your life"

Hernandez said bullying played a role in his son's death. Now, he's using his pain to help others -- teaming up with Linda Lee of Generations Against Bullying -- an organization that works to raise awareness about bullying, and to reduce bullying.

"We have a serious epidemic," Lee said.

Both Lee and Hernandez said they were saddened to learn that a second Greenfield High School student died by suicide this week.

"It hurt me that I couldn't help more, but I won't stop," Hernandez said.

"I want students to know that there is hope, that they are not alone, that this is a short time in their life, that this will, I promise, this will pass," Lee said.

In a statement to FOX6, Greenfield School District Superintendent Lisa Elliott said:

Superintendent Elliott said counselors and psychologists are on-hand at the school for students needing help.

Related resources:

CLICK HERE to read the Greenfield School District statement on student suicide