AURORA, Kan. – A tragic incident unfolded in Aurora, Kansas, on the evening of September 16, when a 14-year-old girl, Jaylee Chillson, took her own life in the presence of a local deputy sheriff. Chillson had run away from her home earlier that day to attend an outdoor party, prompting the Cloud County Sheriff’s Office to dispatch a deputy to bring her home.
The deputy found Chillson at the party, which was attended by both college and high school students. As he attempted to persuade her to return home, the teenager produced a firearm and fatally shot herself. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the deputy and an off-duty firefighter, Chillson was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight.
The incident was witnessed by multiple party attendees, adding to the shock and trauma of the event. In response to the tragedy, the Cloud County Sheriff’s Office has sought the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to conduct an impartial death investigation, given the presence of their deputy during the shooting.
Chillson, a native of Manhattan, Kansas, was known for her love of outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and hunting. She was also an avid softball player and had aspirations of becoming a diesel mechanic. She is survived by her parents, four brothers, and four grandparents.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover the costs of Chillson’s funeral service. The page emphasizes the family’s need for support during this devastating time, urging the community to contribute and help honor Chillson’s memory.
In the wake of Chillson’s death, her family has revealed that she had been subjected to years of bullying, including physical and sexual assault and death threats. The bullying allegedly continued even after Chillson was removed from school and began homeschooling. Her parents claim they had alerted school officials about their daughter’s torment, but their complaints were not addressed.
Chillson’s father, Jeb, shared that his daughter had been receiving counseling for the past two years. He expressed his shock and grief, stating that neither her therapist nor her family saw this tragic event coming.
The tragic death of Jaylee Chillson has not only left a family and community in mourning but has also highlighted the urgent need to address bullying in schools. As the investigation into her death continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact bullying can have on young lives.