In the small city of Sedalia, Missouri, a tragedy unfolded that would leave the community grappling with questions about bullying and mental health. Riley Nicole Garrigus, a 16-year-old female sophomore at Smith-Cotton High School, died on April 8, 2017, at her home. Her death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Riley was described as a vibrant and active teenager who enjoyed a variety of sports, including softball, basketball, and football.
She had a deep love for the outdoors, often spending her time hunting, fishing, and riding bikes. Her aspiration was to become a veterinarian, a testament to her affection for animals of all kinds.
Despite her seemingly happy exterior, Riley had been enduring relentless bullying at her high school for two years. Her parents were aware of the bullying but did not realize the profound extent of her suffering. The night before her death, she had a conversation with her mother, reminiscing about her childhood, a moment that in retrospect seemed to carry a heavier weight.
The morning of her death, Riley used her father's handgun, which had been left on the mantle in their living room. Her passing sent shockwaves through Sedalia, a town of about 21,000 people. In the wake of her death, the community was divided. On the day of her funeral, a demonstration was held where students, parents, and community members confronted school officials about their handling of the bullying that Riley had faced.
Riley’s death was the second firearm suicide at Smith-Cotton High School in 16 months, and one of seven in Pettis County within a two-year period, highlighting a troubling trend among young people in the area. In response to the tragedy and the ensuing community outcry, the Sedalia 200 school district announced plans to implement a 'Signs of Suicide' program to train teachers, staff, and student leaders to recognize the warning signs of depression and suicide. At what would have been her high school graduation in 2019, a seat was left empty in her memory, adorned with a rose, a cap, and a gown. More than two years after their daughter's death, Riley's parents left Sedalia, the hometown they had known their entire lives, finding it too painful to remain.
