Isabella “Izzy” Faith Tichenor

Verified facts

Isabella “Izzy” Faith Tichenor was a 10-year-old Black autistic fifth grader from North Salt Lake, Utah. She loved dancing and playing four square and is remembered for the joy she brought to her family and community. Izzy died by suicide on November 6, 2021. Her family said she experienced bullying that they believed involved her race, disability, hygiene, and housing circumstances, and that their repeated concerns were not adequately addressed. An independent review later documented failures in the school’s handling, reporting, and investigation of bullying concerns, although it did not establish direct evidence that the bullying was motivated specifically by race or disability. Izzy was a child whose life, dignity, and joy mattered. We preserve her name with care. 🌼

Official finding

An independent review found no direct evidence that bullying directed at Izzy was specifically based on race or disability. It also found that school staff lacked adequate knowledge of the district’s bullying definition and failed to properly document or record bullying reports, interventions, and communications with the family.

Family statement

Izzy’s family said she experienced bullying involving her race, disability, hygiene, and housing circumstances, and that repeated concerns were not adequately addressed.

Open questions

Available public reporting does not establish that bullying directed at Izzy was specifically motivated by race or disability. This record is classified as a Community Memorial, not as a hanging-death case.

Sources