Girl of 15 killed herself after bullies posted nude shower video on Snapchat
A 15-year-old girl killed herself a friend took a naked video of her in the shower without permission and posted it on Snapchat, her family have said.
Tovonna Holton, of Florida, shot herself using her mother's handgun hours after the clip was widely shared among friends and acquaintances online.
She had confessed to her mother earlier in the afternoon that she was worried about nude pictures which had been taken without her permission.
Her aunt, Angel Scott, said the family only learned the full details after they appealed to Tovonna's friends for information online after she took her life.
Tovonna's mother, Levon Holton-Teamer, told local station WFLA that the teenager had been repeatedly targeted by bullies at her high school.
Her daughter had admitted she was worried about nude pictures shortly before her death but did not share the full details.
She said: “Tovonna would say, ‘Mommy, I owe them; I owe them’. I said, ‘What do you mean you owe them?’ I couldn’t understand what was wrong."
While Snapchat videos delete themselves once watched, the recipients can save screenshots.
A picture of Tovonna has been widely shared with the hashtag #stopbullying, while her family say they hope those responsible for the bullying will face action.
“I want them to pay, to feel what we feeling, even if their child is convicted or in trouble they can go visit their child,” Ms Scott said.
If you are in distress or need some support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90 or visit their website.