School tragedy: ‘Witch hunt’ for alleged suicide of student at Morrinsville College

Students at a Waikato school are urged to stop spreading abuse and rumors after the sudden death of a student.

Morrinsville College student Maria Witehira, 16, died suddenly on August 23. The Herald understands that he died on the school grounds.

Since his death, rumors and speculation abound on social media, leading to a teenager being blamed for the tragedy and facing abuse and threats.

The school’s principal, John Inger, the police, Maria’s family, and the affected boy’s family have expressed concern over what the school described as “inaccurate, offensive, and sometimes threatening comments on social media sites. “.

The boy’s mother said rumors had spread online that her son, who was already struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss, had abused Maria and caused her death. He had received abusive messages and some students threatened to beat him.

“One person started a rumor and it became a gospel,” he said. “No one has asked the story of Maria.”

None of the people who spread the rumors knew what Maria had been through or how much the family had worked to try to help her.

The rumors and abuse had taken a huge toll on the boy who no longer felt able to return to Morrinsville College and was struggling with the impact of all the false rumors, he said.

“He has all this feeling of worthlessness and guilt.”

She believed that children should not be able to access social media.

“It was never about going on a witch hunt. I want these kids to realize the damage they have done,” he said. “I just want them to understand that my son’s life matters. He has been stripped of his life. I wonder how they would feel if it was them or his sister or brother. Or in the years to come when they are his children?”

His mother was also disappointed by the lack of support from the school for her son. She believed that the school could have done more to make students realize that her son had no part in Maria’s death.

Maria’s aunt, Shalima Gibson, told the Herald that she had called the school and offered to write a letter that could be read to students explaining that Maria was already going through trouble and that the boy was not involved in her death. . However, the offer was rejected.

“The last five weeks were probably some of the happiest he’s had in years. He loved being there. [Morrinsville]. I will always be grateful for that, “Gibson said.

Inger said the school had taken all necessary measures, including providing psychological support to adolescents, in light of the tragedy.

He called those who were spreading rumors about the school, particularly about the student’s death, as “online trolls.”

“The discomfort the school has caused is immense,” he said.

A school newsletter also acknowledged the harmful rumors.

Inger said in the newsletter: “I sent an email written by the police, who are very concerned that quite a few people in our school and community seek to blame someone for the death of our student and are writing inaccurate, offensive, and sometimes threatening comments. on social networking sites. “

He said that was having a “profound effect” on some people who had already been badly affected by the loss.

Counselors were brought in to help those affected by the death.

On the same day the newsletter was sent out, the school again posted an email from the police on its Facebook page confirming that officers were investigating the circumstances of the girl’s death.

“We know that as a school community, they are suffering and they want to know why it has happened,” the police email read.

“But while the police are investigating this case, it is really important that we get accurate information.

“We urge you to think before spreading rumors and speculation.”

The police email continued to acknowledge that they knew some students were struggling to come to terms with the “tragic event” and encouraged people to speak to trusted friends or family or to call Youthline.

The statement continued to urge young people to make sure they stay safe online.

“If you receive messages that are not welcome or feel that you are being intimidated online, please contact NetSafe.”

Yesterday afternoon, Morrinsville College Board Chairman Ngaire Te Ahu posted a Facebook post condemning the “misinformation” spread by students on social media.

“I want to assure all parents that the principal and staff’s response has been to provide strong support to ensure the well-being of all affected students and staff, especially through the supportive actions taken by our counselors and outside agencies.

“At school we were very concerned that some of our students had pointed the finger at blame for our student’s passing unfairly by posting inaccurate, offensive, and sometimes threatening comments on social media sites, and we asked students to parents to help us stop this. “Efforts were also made at the school to prevent this from happening.”

A spokesperson for the coronary services said the case was active with the coroner.

Where to get help:

• Life line: 0800 543 354 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 SUPPORT) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (from 13:00 to 23:00)

• Helpline for depression: 0800 111 757 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• Helpline: 1737

If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.