‘My heart is aching’: Jalyah Thompson’s family speaks out for the first time

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The family of 11-year-old Eisenhower Middle School student Jalyah Thompson spoke out for the first time since they say she took her own life eight days ago.

“Enough is enough… My heart is aching,” said Grandmother Arlain Thompson.

Friends, family and community leaders gathered today for a benefit, honoring Thompson.

“I just want more kindness in the world,” said Thompson’s Aunt Carrissa. “More love in the world, more compassion and more empathy.”

The family maintains that Jalyah was a victim of bullying beginning in November 2024. They say, that the bullying was what led to Jalyah taking her life.

“I want justice for my granddaughter. I am her voice today. I am her voice,” said Arlain Thompson. “I’m reaching out to everybody to stand up for your rights. Don’t allow this to happen to your family, because I know I’m not the only one hurting everybody has somebody I know somebody that went through this. So please, please stop the bullying.”

“Something was permanently taken away from us because what was a joke to them was permanent to us,” said Jada Tevino, Jalyah’s sister.

Jalyah’s kindness will be her legacy said the family.

“I want this outcome to help somebody else,” said Arlain Thompson. “I wanted to help somebody else because nobody should have to go through this. No one.”