Leyton Taylor, 13, tragically died after taking his own life. An inquest revealed that his death followed “relentless” bullying at school because of his sexuality.
No child should ever be forced to endure bullying — especially not in a school environment that is meant to be a safe place for learning and growth. Yet for many children worldwide, that sense of safety is shattered, as verbal abuse, harassment, and bullying remain widespread issues.
This is now the heartbreaking reality for Leyton Taylor’s family, who are mourning the loss of their 13‑year‑old son after what an inquest described as “relentless” bullying over his sexuality at Wymondham High Academy in Norfolk, UK.
Bullied at school According to Tyla, Leyton was found unconscious in his room and died five days later in the hospital. After classmates discovered he had a boyfriend, he was allegedly targeted with bullying and cruel taunts.
His mother, Kerry, told the court: “None of the boys in that school accepted him,” Tyla reported.
“They told him they would never accept him for the way he spoke. He was a sassy speaker, more feminine — not the ‘hard boy’ type. This wasn’t going on for just a little while.”
Headteacher Chris Smith said the school had not been aware of the alleged bullying.
“He had close friends and formed quick bonds. He attended well. He always came across as happy and confident with adults,” he said, acknowledging that they learned “afterwards that there had been remarks made.”
Allegedly “slapped” on the day of his death Leyton also faced challenges at home. The court heard that his stepfather allegedly “slapped” him on the day he died. He was reportedly given more chores than his siblings and expected to help care for his younger disabled half‑brother, placing him under significant “pressure.”
Because of her son’s responsibilities, his mother said she “would lean on Leyton more. Now I see [Leyton’s stepdad] Kyle and I were the ones that made Leyton not be a child.”
In a statement, Leyton’s stepfather said: “I do not feel like I treated him differently from the others. He was the only child living with us who was not biologically mine, but I brought him up as mine,” according to Tyla.
“Both Kerry and I asked him to look after [the disabled brother] quite a lot. There would be arguments because some of the other kids would not help out as much. Kerry would ask Leyton because the other kids argue back,” he said, admitting: “I also did not do enough. I should have done more.
“I will never forgive myself for what happened. I know I could have done more to help Kerry, and this would have helped Leyton.”
“There did not seem to be that weekend anything out of the ordinary” Coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that while Leyton did take his own life, there was “no evidence of his intent,” saying: “He had never run away or had a history of self‑harm. He could be lippy, but there did not seem to be that weekend anything out of the ordinary, apart from being told off three times in one day.
“He’s only 13. He’s a young lad. He’s probably up and down, upset, did not much like his school, did not like where he lived, had various things confiscated off him.
“These are probably normal things happening to a teenager, but they’re not emotionally mature.
“I am not sure he had intended to end his life.”
Where to get help If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, reaching out for help is incredibly important. Talking to someone you trust or a trained professional can make a real difference.
