Polish girl, 16, found dead at school ‘had suffered racism’
A TEENAGER found dead at a village school may have been the victim of racist bullies, it was feared last night.
Polish teenager Dagmara Przybysz was found dead at Pool Academy school in Cornwall
Polish pupil Dagmara Przybysz, 16, described as “beautiful, bright and creative”, was discovered in the school lavatory block on Tuesday.
It is understood she was already dead by the time paramedics arrived at Pool Academy in Pool, Cornwall.
Yesterday it emerged that two years ago on website ask.fm, an anonymous question and answer forum, Dagmara wrote that she had experienced racism at school.
The site has been linked to cyberbullying and suicides among young people.
Speaking from his home in Redruth, Cornwall, Dagmara’s father, Jedrzej, 35, said: “I am in shock, I am too upset to speak about it. I need more time and just need to be left alone for now.
“I don’t know how she died, as I need to talk to the police. I don’t know what happened.”
Police said yesterday they were investigating but are not treating Dagmara’s death as suspicious.
The 16-year-old was found dead in the lavatory block of Pool Academy school
A tribute page has been set up in the girl’s memory on Facebook and the school is planning a day of remembrance.
I am in shock, I am too upset to speak about it
Friend Martin Ferris wrote on Facebook: “RIP Dagmara Przybysz, we had some good times. “I’ve always seen you as an amazing person, we’ve had some fun times that I won’t ever forget.
“You’ll fit perfectly up there in heaven, we won’t forget you.”
Lauren Haydney also wrote: “RIP Dagmara Przybysz, such a beautiful girl, died at such a young age.”
The teenager revealed online that she had been a victim of racism
Zelma Hill, the school principal, said she was devastated by the news.
She said: “The loss of Dagmara is heartbreaking. We are supporting students, staff and their families through this terrible time.”
Pool Academy was open yesterday and offered counselling to pupils.
The school released a statement expressing 'overwhelming sadness' over Dagmara's death
A school statement added: “It is with overwhelming sadness that the principal, governors and staff of Pool Academy can confirm the tragic, sudden death of one of our students.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of Dagmara Przybysz. Dagmara was a beautiful, bright and creative 16-year-old student with a very promising future ahead of her.
“She was passionate about fashion and photography. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dagmara’s family and friends.”