Schoolgirl, 16, who died was ‘terrorised by shameful bullies’

December 19, 2018

A schoolgirl who died was tormented by bullies, her friends and family say.

Darian Rouse, 16, was rushed to hospital after she was found unwell at her home in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on December 9.

Medics battled to save the pupil, who attended Calderside Academy, but she died a day later.

Devastated family and friends have been struggling to come to terms with the teenager’s tragic death.

Friends have widely reported that Darian was targeted by bullies who terrorised the youngster, the Daily Record reports.

In a show of solidarity, family and friends changed their Facebook pictures to feature the slogan “I stand against bullying”, including her granddad Andy Thomson.

One family friend wrote on Facebook: "Heartfelt sympathies to Mark, Donna, Keela, Mark and extended family and friends.

"Words cannot describe the pain and sorrow your family are enduring. What ever happened to ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all’.

"Some people going on about schools need to do more about bullying, this is such a hard one as there’s only so much they can do and bullying is a strong word.

"Personally I think as parents should be taking more responsibility in educating our children on what is and isn’t acceptable.

"Bullying is not ok."

Friend Teri Newlands wrote: "Can’t believe I am writing this, rest in peace Darian Rouse. Can’t quite believe how shattered and hurt my heart is, it’s in thousands of pieces.

"I will forever cherish the amazing memories we have made since primary school.

"You made me me laugh on days when I didn’t want to, you deserved so much more than what life offered you, you were loving, caring, generous, and beautiful! I wish I could have done more."

Sophielee Mckechnie wrote: "Another young life taken and so close to home. Bullying is not ok and what you say to people can hurt them a lot. You did not deserve this at all, such a lovely girl, fly high Darian."

Caitlin Marshall said: "RIP to another gorgeous angel. Darian Rouse you did not deserve what you went through and the people that did it should be ashamed of themselves. My thoughts go out to your family. Rest in peace angel."

Shocked locals have been sharing a Purple heart in memory of the teenager.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Darian’s family with funeral costs.

Julie Murdoch, a neighbour of the family, wrote: "I am trying to raise as much money as possible to help the Rouse family pay for the send off this little princess deserves."

Kind-hearted friends have raised £800.

The tributes online come as the head teacher of Calderside Academy, Skayne Dodds, said the school was devastated by the loss.

He said: "The whole Calderside school community is saddened by the tragic passing of Darian Rouse.

"Darian was a lovely, kind, thoughtful and sensitive person who was held in the highest regard by her teachers and fellow pupils.

"A diligent, hard-working, respectful pupil, Darian engaged fully with the corporate life of the school and availed herself of many opportunities to contribute in an extremely positive manner to the school ethos.

"Darian’s passing has had a profound effect on the school community and has created a great sense of loss.”

"She will always have a place in the heart of the staff and pupils who knew her and she will be sorely missed.

"The thoughts of the school are with her family at this terrible time."