The family of a gay San Diego teen who committed suicide in mid-August says cyberbullying led to the boy’s death days before the school year began.
Salvador Rios, 14, took his own life on August 15 after a social media post allegedly launched a homophobic attack and shared private information about him.
“One post destroyed not only my brother’s life, but my life, my family’s life,” said Salvador’s sister, Aleah Rios, holding back tears as she spoke to local media.
“It feels like a part of my heart is missing,” she said.
The San Diego Police Department has since launched an investigation into the boy’s bullying and death.
Salvador Rios, 14, took his own life on August 15 after a post circulated on social media that allegedly used homophobic language and shared personal and private details about him
“One message destroyed not only my brother’s life, but my life, my family’s life,” Salvador’s sister, Aleah Rios, said, holding back tears as she spoke to local media.
According to Salvador’s devastated sister speaking to ABC 10, an anonymous post was shared on social media on Aug. 15.
The post came just days before the teen was due to start eighth grade at Standley Middle School in San Diego.
“Every day he would say to his friends, ‘Why aren’t you excited? I’m so excited for school to start,” Rios said of her brother’s willingness to go back to class.
That all changed after the life-changing Instagram post was shared by someone who has yet to be identified.
“Someone posted a picture of him, made very homophobic comments about him, and revealed personal information that he had only revealed to a few individuals,” said Rios, explaining the contents of the now-deleted post.
The person who shared the photo and made the homophobic comments also allegedly tagged Salvador’s friends and family so they would see it.
Within hours, the teenage boy’s body was discovered in a relative’s home.
Rios says it wasn’t the first time Salvador had experienced a homophonic attack.
“I would like to see accountability, because my brother deserves justice,” Rios told ABC 10
“Think about what you post. You don’t know what impact it could have,” Rios said
While in sixth grade – just after coming out – Salvador was jumped by several students while on his way home from Marston Middle School.
Salvador was only twelve years old at the time and was held down and beaten by older students who shouted homophobic remarks at him.
His family later learned that he had been bullied since the beginning of the school year. His family then moved him from Marston to Standley.
According to Rios, Salvador thrived after the move. He joined the debate team and set his sights on Harvard Law School.
“He lived every day to the fullest. He was supported by his group of friends and family,” Rios said.
“The world has lost such a strong, confident, loving boy who could have done great things and changed a lot of things,” she said.
Salvador transferred to Standley Middle School in 2021 after being attacked by older students from a previous school for being gay
A GoFundMe for the teen’s funeral has raised just over $7,300
Rios, Salvador’s relatives and friends now fight for change and want to show the devastating consequences of their actions.
“Think about what you post. You don’t know what impact it could have,” Rios said.
They also try to bring the person or group responsible to justice.
“I would like to see accountability, because my brother deserves justice,” Rios said.
It is unclear at this time whether any individuals have been identified or charged in this case.
a GoFundMe has since been launched to help Salvador’s family cover the costs of a funeral and memorial for him.
The fundraiser raised just over $7,300 of the $10,000 goal.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 to reach the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.