Beaudesert State High School student Onyx Rose suicides after bullying

The distraught sister of a 13-year-old Queenslander who suicided after being bullied at high school for identifying as a boy has revealed their final tragic hours.

The distraught sister of a 13-year-old girl who suicided after being bullied for identifying as a boy has revealed the final tragic hours of the child’s life.

Ivy Lambert said her sibling, who as of this year asked to be called Onyx Rose and be referred to with male pronouns, had blown bubbles with her son at his third birthday party the day before the shocking July 16 death.

“Onyx Rose also helped do the balloons and was happy to be with family – we had a good chat and yeah, we hugged and told her I loved her,” a tearful Ms Lambert, 32, told The Courier-Mail.

“Mum said Onyx slept in the next day and was a bit quiet, didn’t say much.

“When Mum yelled out that dinner was ready, Onyx Rose didn’t respond. Mum went looking and made the awful discovery outside.”

Onyx Rose died by suicide on July 16. Picture: Facebook

Ms Lambert said the bullying of her beloved sibling began in primary school but continued in Year 7 at Beaudesert State High School when a group of children “called her fat, of all things”.

“It got so bad that Onyx Rose stopped eating, started self-harming and then in Year 8 the attacks got worse after she asked for her name to be changed on the class roll.

“It was the same group of kids; Onyx Rose didn’t want to be a snitch but when they were reported, they retaliated and made it even harder.”

Ms Lambert said her sibling was previously a very happy child but over the past six to eight months, the sparkle left Onyx Rose’s eyes.

“When I look at photos from Christmas 2022 and then 2023, Onyx Rose looks different, like something inside was aching, like they broke something,” she said, weeping.

“I thought it was really brave of Onyx Rose to talk about the gender identification.

“Mum was really supportive. Onyx Rose had been feeling like this for years but was scared of how people would react – it’s a big thing.”

“Onyx Rose didn’t want to be a snitch but when they were reported, they retaliated and made it even harder,” sister Ivy Lambert said of the bullies. Picture: Facebook

With preparations under way for the funeral on Saturday, Ms Lambert said she didn’t want her sibling “to die for nothing” and schools needed to properly address bullying in all its forms.

“Onyx Rose used to be so happy, loved birthday parties and dancing, going to Scouts and catching up with friends.

“After the suicide people came up to me and said Onyx Rose had befriended other kids who had been bullied. This was a great kid.”

Ivy Lambert said her sister was a “great kid”. Picture: Facebook

On a GoFundMe page to “celebrate Onyx Rose’s beautiful life” and which has so far raised more than $4000 for the funeral, Ms Lambert wrote: “Mum tried so hard to help her through her struggles, numerous counselling appointments, doctors’ appointments, calling the school constantly. But my beautiful girl couldn’t handle the constant harassment and hatred”.

On July 24 the family received an email from Beaudesert State High School principal Grant Stephenson, who had been on leave, expressing his condolences.

The email said staff had been “deeply impacted” by the suicide.

“We have been given pause to reflect and want to ensure Beaudesert SHS is a safe place for students to learn. Your voice is an important part of our reflection,” Mr Stephensen wrote.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said Beaudesert State High School community was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of one of its students.

“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with their family, caregivers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

“The school has been in regular contact with the student’s family and is also speaking with local elders.

“Support is being provided to students and staff, and guidance officers and support staff remain available through the school’s wellbeing centre as an ongoing source of support as needed.

“Beaudesert State High School has extensive support measures in place to assist students and families and encourages anyone with concerns to contact the school leadership team.”