Crowdfunding page for Nigel Shelby surpasses $30,000
Nigel Shelby died by suicide.
A fundraiser for Nigel Shelby, a gay teen who died by suicide after being bullied over his sexuality, has reached over $30,000 (around £23,000).
The overwhelming show of support comes after the 15 year old died on April 19, following alleged homophobia at his school in Huntsville, Alabama.
One person wrote on the GoFundMe campaign: “I’m praying for the family of this young boy. We as a nation and a people need to do better. Support those who are different.”
However, the tragic news also attracted negative comments. After the teen’s death went viral a local police officer left anti-LGBT comments on a tribute post.
Alabama sheriff deputy Jeff Graves was suspended after writing a number of social media comments, which have now been removed, including: “Liberty, Guns, Bible, Trump, BBQ, That’s my kind of LGBTQ movement.”
“I’m seriously offended there is such a thing such as the movement. Society cannot and should not accept this behavior,” Graves posted.
Remembering 15-year-old Nigel Shelby
Nigel Shelby died by suicide.
Since Shelby’s death, supporters have spread messages of love and tolerance across social media.
A candlelight vigil and memorial balloon release were held in Huntsville on April 21, to remember his life. “We’re all hurting for you,” the video caption read.
The Balloon Release and candlelight vigil for #NigelShelby. We’re all hurting for you. pic.twitter.com/GWmPJYrymm— AAMU Common Ground (@aamu_cg) April 23, 2019
The news affected people both in Alabama and across the world.
Journalist Corey Townsend wrote an emotional piece for The Root titled: “Dear Nigel Shelby and the Rest of the LGBTQ+ Community, You Are Loved and There Is Nothing Wrong With You.”
Townsend wrote: “Many members of the LGTBQ+ community have been Nigel Shelby. I have been him. Nigel took his life because he was bullied for having the courage to live his life fearlessly and authentically. I wish I had that same level of courage at such a young age.”
Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Christie Finley addressed the tragic events, according to a local news outlet, WHNT. Finley asked the community to come together and to teach the city’s youth the importance of “kindness, generosity, helpfulness and basically just being human.”
Nigel Shelby’s mother speaks out about the death of her gay son. (Credit: NBC)
Nigel Shelby’s mother speaks publicly about her ‘sweetest’ child
Shelby’s mother, Camika Shelby, spoke publicly about her son’s death for the first time, in an interview with NBC News.
“He was just special,” Camika said, “he was just the sweetest child, he was so outgoing,” she added.
Camika said her son had hoped to become a performer, and he was always dancing and singing around the house.
Shelby’s mother also commented on his sexuality and said Nigel came out to her when he was 13. “Coming out at such a young age, it’s gonna be hard, you never know if you’re going to be accepted,” Camika told NBC.
“He didn’t know if I was going to accept it, I mean that’s my child I love him, I know him, so I already knew [he was gay],” she added.
