PEEKSKILL, N.Y. (WABC) — A heartbroken father tried to turn grief into action at a packed Westchester County board of education meeting Tuesday night after his 10-year-old son took his own life last week.
At an emotional and fiery board of education meeting in Peekskill Tuesday night, the father of 10-year-old Lukas Illescas presented the photo of his son to the board he accuses of neglect.
“Look. Look. You didn’t have time. Five minutes? I don’t know how you can sleep. I don’t know how,” he said.
Lukas Illescas was a happy, attractive and energetic boy who loved his family and his home life.
“He would wake up every day at 5:30 in the morning to kiss me before he went to work, he would wait for me at the station when I came, he loved to swim,” said Illescas’ father.
But this year at school, Illescas’ father says his son was bullied relentlessly by one particular boy, so badly that he begged him not to go.
“We had to call the police once,” the father said. “He said, ‘Please, I don’t want to go to school, I don’t want to go to school.’
Terrified at the prospect of another day of bullying, Lukas took his own life last week. His father says he had tried to get the school to intercede, but they didn’t, at least not effectively. Many in the district say they have had similar experiences.
Lukas’ father just wants change.
“I have nothing to lose, my son is gone, so all I want now is justice for the other children,” she said.
If you’re experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises, call or text the new three-digit code to 988. You’ll call a qualified crisis counselor toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
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