Family of bullied student Jalyah Thompson appeals to Rockford Mayor for change

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Almost two months have passed since 11-year-old Eisenhower Middle School student Jalyah Thompson took her own life, according to her family.

Her aunt, Kyla Trevino, said the family is still processing their grief.

“After the funeral, people kind of went on with their lives. They have work. They have things to do. But for the family, we are still struggling. And, you know, today is kind of hard because I’m still not comfortable talking about her without getting emotional,” she said.

On Friday, Trevino, who started the group “With Love, Jalyah,” met with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara to ensure other children don’t experience the same tragic fate.

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.

“We came out here to talk to the mayor to get some pointers and advice on how to pursue with, you know, sharing this story and getting things out there and trying to get things started in her honor,” Trevino said.

McNamara said the City affirmed its commitment to help the family see change through.

“We do not forget Jalyah’s name and that we as a community, through this tragedy, through this tremendous amount of pain, use it as a driver of purpose, a driver of making sure that other children in our community don’t have to go through this and have those same feelings that Jalyah obviously had towards the end of her life,” he said.

The family hopes to have a day established in Jalyah’s name, not only to spread awareness of bullying but to celebrate a bright light that dimmed too soon.

Anyone who wants further updates, visit the “With Love Jalyah” Facebook page.