Authorities in Linden, Ala. are searching for answers after the suicide of McKenzie Nicole Adams. Her family members believe racism was to blame.
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Adams, who loved dolls and hoped to become a scientist, was found dead at her home by her grandmother.
While the official cause of death has yet to be revealed, Eddwina Harris, Adamsโ aunt, told the Tuscaloosa News that her niece experienced bullying at U.S. Jones Elementary in nearby Demopolis.
After befriending a white child at her school, Adams was told to end her life by other students.
โShe was being bullied the entire school year, with words such as โkill yourself,โ โyou think youโre white because you ride with that white boy,โ โyou ugly,โ โblack bitch,โ โjust dieโ.โ
Adamsโ family says that McKenzie had been bullied during kindergarten at Linden Elementary before she was transferred. In a statement, Linden School District Superintendent Timothy Thurman refuted their claim.
โThere is no record of any bullying during that time and thereโs no note as to why she withdrew,โ he said. โShe transferred to U.S. Jones Elementary School in Demopolis and sheโs been there ever since.โ
Demopolis City School System attorney Alex Braswell told NBC News that the district is cooperating with local police departments.
On Monday, McKenzieโs mother took to Facebook to mourn the loss of her daughter.
โMy world is gone ... my first love.โ
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