While many survivors spoke out in the aftermath of a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 14 students, other classmates struggled silently.
Sydney Aiello, 19, who survived the 2018 shooting in Parkland, Fla., took her own life last weekend. Her mother Cara Aiello, told CBS Miami that her daughter had survivor’s guilt and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She said her daughter struggled to attend college classes because she had fear of being in a classroom. Aiello never asked for help before she killed herself, her mother said. Her funeral was held Friday.
Aiello was close friends with 18-year-old Meadow Pollack, who died in last year’s shooting when Nikolas Cruz, a former student, opened fire. He also killed three school staff members.
Ryan Petty, whose daughter Alaina was killed in the shooting, said he had focused on suicide prevention since the Parkland tragedy and was worried that more traumatized teenagers might take their own lives. “It breaks my heart that we’ve lost yet another student from Stoneman Douglas,” he said. “My advice to parents is to ask questions, don’t wait.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Aiello’s family pay for her funeral and other expenses.
“Sydney spent 19 years writing her story as a beloved daughter, sister and friend to many. She lit up every room she entered. She filled her days cheerleading, doing yoga, and brightening up the days of others. Sydney aspired to work in the medical field helping others in need,” the page says.
“It was a privilege to have you in our lives. Sydney, we will miss you and always love you. May you find peace in His arms.”
