A “TALENTED and intelligent” schoolgirl, 15, has killed herself in a heartbreaking reaction to the coronavirus lockdown, says her grieving mom. Californian Danielle Hunt said she was sharing information on the passing of her “bubbly and loving” daughter, Jo’Vianni, to make fellow parents and caregivers more aware of the stresses placed upon kids. Danielle told […]
A “TALENTED and intelligent” schoolgirl, 15, has killed herself in a heartbreaking reaction to the coronavirus lockdown, says her grieving mom.
Californian Danielle Hunt said she was sharing information on the passing of her “bubbly and loving” daughter, Jo’Vianni, to make fellow parents and caregivers more aware of the stresses placed upon kids.
Danielle told Fox40 that people shouldn’t just assume their children are OK during the current Covid-19 lockdown.
She added: “I felt that I was doing all that I could as a parent to leave the communication open.
“I will do my best to tell my daughter’s story.
“Sometimes we may need to stop and worry about the kids that we don’t think we need to worry about.”
Recordnet quoted a coach at JoVianni’s school, Bear Creek High in Stockton, saying: “The cause of death reportedly was due to the stresses and pressures from coping with the self-isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
A spokesman for the Lodi Unified School District added: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jo’vianni Smith’s passing.
“Jo’vianni was well loved by the Bear Creek High community.
“She participated in band, played basketball and softball, and was known for her joyful spirit on campus.
“She will be dearly missed by those who knew her.
“Our hearts go out to the students, families, and staff impacted by this tragedy.
“We are providing remote counseling and bereavement services to those who need support right now.”
On a GoFundMe page for her memorial service, it says: “It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Jo’Vianni ‘Jo’ Smith.
“Jo was a shining star in our world and she will be deeply missed.
“This has especially rocked our small softball community.”
After raising more than $14,000, the page says that Danielle “would like to be able to set up a scholarship fund with any of the additional memorial funds.
“Jo was passionate about her sports and it would a blessing to be able to establish a scholarship to honor her memory and continue her mission.
“The scholarship would assist a female athlete who aspires to play at a college level but may be experiencing hardships in their lives.”
It adds that “Jo was a sophomore at Bear Creek HS where she excelled in softball, track and field and basketball.
“She was a force to be reckoned in all of her sports but will always be remembered for her explosive speed out on the field!”
The online fundraiser says that Jo “loved to dance, laugh, and act like any normal goofy 15 year old girl.
“She loved her friends, her teammates and her family and we loved her right back! It was a privilege to have her in our lives, in our softball circle.”
Among the many tributes to the teen, one woman, Erin, posted: “I had Jo’Vianni as a student in orchestra in middle school.
“She always brought joy to our class and was a dedicated musician… [and] such a wonderful energy that I will miss tremendously.”
Amika added: “Jo was such an amazing, talented, and intelligent young lady.
“Her memories will live on through each and everyone of us.”
More than 500,000 people in America have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and there have been nearly 20,000 deaths as a result of the new disease.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
