An Australian father has posted a heartbreaking tribute to his “precious little angel”, daughter ‘Dolly’ Amy Jayne Everett, after she took her own life on January 3.
In his post, Northern Terrirory man, Tick Everett, called for an end to online bullying, which he said was to blame for the death of his 14-year-old daughter.
“This week has been an example of how social media should be used, it has also been an example of how it shouldn’t be,” Mr Everett wrote.
“If we can help other precious lives from being lost and the suffering of so many, then Doll’s life will not be wasted. I know for some suicide is considered cowerdly but I guarantee those people wouldn’t have half the strength that my precious little angel had, Doll had the strength to do what she thought she had to do to escape the evil in this world.
“However unfortunately Dolly will never know the great pain and emptiness left behind.”
Mr Everett invited his daughter’s alleged bullies to attend the funeral service for Dolly.
“Firstly if by some chance the people who thought this was a joke and made themselves feel superior by the constant bullying and harassment see this post, please come to our service and witness the complete devastation you have created,” he posted.
“The second is for the strong ones, lets stop the bullies no matter where, but especially in our kids, as the old saying goes. You will never know what have untill it’s gone.”
Akubra Hats also posted a moving Instagram tribute to Dolly, who was the face of the iconic brand as a child.
“We were shocked and distressed to hear of the passing of “Dolly” – the young girl many of you will recognise from our past Christmas adverts,” the brand wrote.
“To think that anyone could feel so overwhelmed and that this was their only option is unfathomable. Bullying of any type is unacceptable. It is up to us to stand up when we see any kind of bullying behaviour.
“Dolly could be anyone’s daughter, sister, friend. We need to make sure that anyone in crisis knows there is always someone to talk to. Be a friend, check up on your mates.”
As news.com.au reports, a funeral service for Dolly will be held on Friday in Casurina St Primary School in Katherine East.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline for 24/7 support on 13 11 14 or visit the website at lifeline.org.au. If it’s an emergency, call 000.
