Inquest Opens into Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Bullied on Snapchat
The provisional cause of death has been announced in the case of a 12-year-old schoolgirl who took her own life after enduring relentless bullying on the social media platform Snapchat. Amelia Bath was discovered deceased at her family home in Walberton, West Sussex, on the morning of March 6.
Details from the Coroner's Court
During the opening of the inquest at West Sussex Coroner's Court in Horsham, a coroner's officer stated that Amelia was sadly found deceased at her home address by hanging. Area coroner Joseph Turner noted that the facts and circumstances surrounding her death were unnatural, as he formally commenced the proceedings.
Friends of the young girl later informed her parents, company directors Steven and Marie Bath, that Amelia had been targeted by bullies on Snapchat in the weeks leading up to her tragic passing. Her aunt, Lisa Marsh, revealed to the Daily Mail that the family had no prior indication of the bullying, describing Amelia as appearing in good spirits during her final days.
Family's Heartbreaking Account
Lisa Marsh recounted the evening before Amelia's death, stating, She seemed happy and was laughing and joking but the following morning the family's lives were turned upside down. Amelia had enjoyed a fish and chips supper with her parents at her grandparents' home, showing no outward signs of distress.
However, the following morning, her mother Marie discovered her in her bedroom when attempting to wake her for school. Marsh emphasized that cyberbullying is an issue that needs to be highlighted, arguing that had Amelia not received such harmful messages, the tragedy might have been averted.
She added, Many parents don't realise that their children are using social media for all the wrong reasons. No family should go through this.
Community Response and Fundraising
In the wake of Amelia's death, her fellow pupils at The Regis School in nearby Bognor Regis have created a memorial shrine with flowers, soft toys, and balloons to honor her memory. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign organized by Lisa Marsh has raised over £16,000 to assist with funeral expenses and to make a donation in Amelia's name to the children's hospice Chestnut Tree House.
On the fundraising page, Marsh paid tribute to her beautiful niece, describing Amelia as a bright, funny, kind-hearted and loving girl who filled every room with warmth and laughter. She wrote, The silence she has left behind is unbearable, and the hole in our hearts will never truly heal.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
Sussex Police have confirmed that officers are reviewing the wider circumstances of Amelia's death, though it is not being treated as suspicious. A police spokesman stated, We are working alongside schools and partner agencies to support the girl's family and others who have been impacted.
The inquest has been adjourned until June 17 for a pre-inquest review. Interested parties in the case include Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council children's services, education services, and Amelia's parents and grandfather.
