BENTLEYVILLE, Pa. — The parents of a 15-year-old Bentworth High School student who died by suicide earlier this year are speaking publicly for the first time, hoping their daughter’s story will help other families and teens.
Joe and Sarah Zoretich described their daughter, Emily, as creative, kind and caring.
“She was always just looking for ways to be kind to people, make people feel included,” her parents said. “She loved to express herself through art and music.”
The Zoretich family said the community has rallied around them in the months since Emily’s death.
“Our community has come together for us,” they said. “You wouldn’t believe what they’ve done for us.”
The family said they knew Emily had experienced bullying and said she took all the right steps, reporting it to school administrators.
“At home, everything was OK,” they said. “When she wasn’t at home with us, we couldn’t protect her.”
Emily’s parents hope her story serves as a reminder to young people that their words can have lasting consequences.
“Your words do matter,” they said. “Somebody may think picking on somebody with blue hair and expressing themselves that way is fun for them, but boy, is it detrimental.”
They also want teens who may be struggling to know that help is available and to keep searching for support if their first attempt to get help does not work, keep going, because you’re worth it.”
The family has created Emily’s Light Young Minds Matter, a fund that will help adolescents and young adults struggling in Washington County. Their goal is to raise $25,000 over five years to become a permanent fund in the community.
While the Zoretich family cannot change what happened to their daughter, they hope speaking out can help prevent another family from experiencing the same loss.
“We can’t save our baby, unfortunately,” they said. “But maybe we can help with yours?”
We also reached out to Bentworth School District’s superintendent. While he did not specifically address the district’s bullying policies, he told us: “Our hearts go out to the Zoretich family. The community and school have tried to support them through this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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