DECATUR, Ill. — The Decatur community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Kaitlynn Eller, a bright and beloved 12-year-old who passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after enduring relentless bullying that her family says was repeatedly ignored by her school.
Kaitlynn’s family did everything they could to protect her. They were aware of the bullying, advocated fiercely on her behalf, sought mental health support, reported the incidents to school administrators, and even involved the Sheriff’s Office. Despite these efforts, the family says the bullying continued and meaningful intervention never came. According to her loved ones, school officials were fully aware of the situation yet failed to take serious action or hold anyone accountable.
Kaitlynn’s older sister, Kelsey, has spoken out, stating that the system meant to protect students failed her sister. She also shared that intimidation from a bully’s parent was reported to the school, yet no action followed. In her words:
“The system failed her. The adults failed her. The school failed her.”
Kaitlynn was a member of Harristown Foursquare Church, a cheerleader, and a basketball player. She loved riding horses and was learning to become a barrel racer. She was full of life, dreams, and kindness—far more than the pain she was forced to carry.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Kaitlynn’s family with funeral arrangements and ongoing support during this unimaginable loss:
👉 https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kaitlynns-funeral-arrangements
Kaitlynn mattered. Her life mattered. Her story is a devastating reminder that bullying is not “kids being kids”—it is trauma, and when ignored, it can have irreversible consequences. Her family hopes that by sharing her story, other children will be protected, believed, and helped before it is too late.
🕊️ May Kaitlynn Eller rest in peace, and may her memory inspire action, accountability, and compassion for every child who needs to be heard.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
