School officials in California say police are looking into the suicide of a kid who was allegedly bullied.
Jose Emiliano Zamora, a 14-year-old student at a school in Santa Clara, California, died on November 6, according to an online obituary.
The Santa Clara Unified School District verified the death in a video message posted on Facebook a week later, on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Jose’s father, Jose Bautista, told FOX 4 News that his son began attending Santa Clara High School only a few months ago.
Jose, a member of his school’s junior varsity football team, was allegedly ridiculed because he was homeless, Bautista explained.
“They were spitting on him, hitting him on the back of the helmet,” claimed Bautista, who apparently found out about the alleged abuse from other pupils at the school.
Bautista and Jose were evicted from their residence earlier this year, and the youngster was residing in a shelter, according to FOX 4 News. Bautista stated that the youngster was receiving treatment for mental health issues at the facility.
The shelter did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s inquiry for comment.
“We were bonding more. He was looking for a place to live instead than a shelter,” the bereaved father told FOX 4 News.
Jose’s family established a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, which earned more than $100,000 in a week, with many people expressing their condolences for the alleged bullying.
“I’m sending love. “Use this money however you want,” wrote one donor, who also stated that they attempted suicide as a teenager when homeless and being ridiculed by their teammates.
“I was bullied by the wealthier students at my school when I was younger. “I couldn’t stand by and not contribute to your family,” wrote another donor. “I hope that the community outpouring has at least brought you the smallest comfort in this tragic time.”
In a video message released on Wednesday, Santa Clara Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell stated, “To the extent that bullying had a role in Jose’s suicide, it is inexcusable. “One instance is too many.”
He stated that there has been “serious disciplinary action” as a result of a district investigation, and that the district is “fully cooperating” with the police investigation.
Santa Clara police did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.