Tragic Discovery of 12-Year-Old Amelia Bath After Snapchat Bullying
The family of 12-year-old schoolgirl Amelia Bath has been left devastated after she was found dead in her bedroom, with fears she took her own life following bullying on Snapchat. The tragic discovery was made by her mother, Marie Bath, on the morning of Friday, March 6, when she went to wake her daughter for school at their home in Walberton, West Sussex.
Family's Shock and Normal Evening Before Tragedy
Amelia's uncle, Kris Marsh, 42, described the incident as "an absolute massive shock to everybody" that came "totally out of the blue." He revealed that the family had spent the previous evening at Amelia's grandparents' house, where they shared laughter over fish and chips, with no indication anything was wrong. "It was just a completely normal evening," Marsh said. "You wouldn't have known there was anything on her mind. Nothing seemed off at all."
The contrast between that cheerful family gathering and the tragic discovery hours later has left relatives struggling to comprehend how their world changed so drastically. "Marie her mum had gotten up that morning as usual, gone to wake her up for school and then found Amelia in her bedroom," Marsh explained. "Her world had just been completely turned upside down."
Snapchat Messages Reveal Cyberbullying Evidence
Following police attendance at the home, officers took Amelia's iPhone and iPad for examination. Subsequent investigation revealed Snapchat messages suggesting the schoolgirl had been subjected to online bullying. "It is an ongoing investigation, but there were messages on Snapchat," Marsh confirmed. "The police have obviously taken her iPhone and her iPad to go through them and see what they can find."
The family expressed particular concern about the hidden nature of such bullying, with Marsh noting: "There were absolutely no signs. Everything on the face of it was totally normal. That's why it is so dangerous with these apps." He added that children today "seem so quick to be horrible to one another" through digital means, often underestimating the lasting impact of their messages.
Family's Campaign for Cyberbullying Awareness
In response to the tragedy, Amelia's family is now working to raise awareness about cyberbullying and encourage children to speak to trusted adults when struggling. "If anything our message from this whole tragic incident would be that there is always somebody you can talk to," Marsh emphasized. "Let your feelings be known because no 12-year-old should think that resorting to suicide is the only way out."
Amelia, who attended The Regis School in Bognor Regis, is remembered by her family as "your normal happy go lucky, very popular little girl" who was "loved by everyone." She leaves behind parents Marie and Steve Bath, her 14-year-old sister Olivia, and extended family who describe her as bright, funny, kind-hearted, and full of life.
Community Support and Memorial Efforts
Amelia's aunt, Lisa Marsh, 39, has launched a GoFundMe page that has already raised over £15,000 for funeral costs, a donation to Chestnut Tree House children's hospice charity, and funds toward creating a memorial garden. The fundraiser has been flooded with messages of support from the community, reflecting the widespread impact of this tragedy.
On the fundraising page, Lisa wrote: "On the morning of Friday 6th March, our world shattered. My sister Marie found her precious daughter, Amelia, who had tragically taken her own life at just 12 years old." She described Amelia as having "the most beautiful soul and so much life ahead of her" and noted that "the silence she has left behind is unbearable."
Police Response and Support Services
A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed that emergency services were called to the address in Yapton Lane, Walberton, just before 7am on March 6, where they found the 12-year-old girl deceased. The police statement noted: "We are working alongside schools and partner agencies to support the girl's family and others who have been impacted."
The death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to HM Coroner. Police have highlighted available support services through e-wellbeing, the How Are You Really Feeling? campaign, and West Sussex County Council's mental health support page. They emphasized that anyone needing urgent mental health support should contact NHS 111, while emergencies should be directed to 999.
This tragic case has highlighted the devastating consequences of cyberbullying and the importance of mental health support for young people navigating the complexities of digital communication platforms.
