OC Mourns A Life Too Short After Girl, 10, Dies

GARDEN GROVE, CA —Friends and family gathered at a candlelight vigil Tuesday night in remembrance of 10-year-old Allison Wendel. On Sunday night, her body was discovered by her 9-year-old sister, inside their Santa Ana home.

Authorities are investigating Wendel's death as a suicide, with bullying a probable cause. The Orange County Coroner's office was scheduled to perform an autopsy Wednesday to confirm her cause of death. Her family declined to comment on whether bullying was a factor.

A lone statement on a GoFundMe page established to help with Allison's sudden death shared her family's palpable dismay at her loss. The GoFundMe page organized by Bonnie Mesinas shared that the family's "little angel" died on Oct. 13.

Alicia Miranda, Allison's aunt, shared pictures of Wendel smiling, blowing out candles on her fairy-themed birthday cake. Other photos showed her wearing a shirt that reads, "Smiles always win."

Miranda also shared prayers of support for the family left behind. "I love my niece, Allison, with all of my heart," she said. "I will never forget God's plan to reunite us all in heaven."

The Wendel-Hernandez Family appreciate any help in dealing with the sudden loss of their child.
The family was "blindsided" by Allison's sudden death, her aunt said to the media at the vigil. She added that there were no warning signs.

Santa Ana Police Sgt. Anthony Bertagna told Patch that he "could not think of a time a 10-year-old committed suicide." Police, K-9 officers and crisis counselors remained on hand at Hazard Elementary School in Garden Grove to assist students and staff this week.

Allison Wendel's funeral was scheduled for Oct. 24 at an undisclosed location.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, help is available with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Menace Of Bullies: Patch Advocacy Reporting Project

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you concerned about how your local schools handle bullies and their victims?

Email us at bullies@patch.com and share your views in the comments.
Selected Stories From The Project

• Bullied To Death: When Kids Kill With Words
• I Could Have Been Mallory Grossman
• Bullied Over Homemade T-Shirt, Kid Inspires University Of Tennessee Design
• Howell Teen Runs To Save Lives, Change Statistics On Suicide
• America's Shameful Truth About School Shooters And Bullying
• Cyberbullying Most Often Affects Girls; These Women Are Trying To Stop It
• Bullying Kids: Straighten Up, Or Your Parents May Have To Pay Up
• Teen Who Killed Himself Wasn't 'Worthless,' Family Tells Bullies
• Menace Of Bullies: Why This Woman Resigned Her 6-Figure Job

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.

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