Sydney Aiello, a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas which was the location of one of the most deadly school shootings in recent memory, is dead at 19. Sydney recently graduated from Stoneman Douglas and was enrolled at Florida Atlantic University, but ultimately took her own life.
Sydney was very close friends with Meadow Pollack, who was one of the 17 students killed in the mass shooting, according to WFOR in Miami.
Sydney’s mother told the media outlet that her daughter was suffering from “survivor’s guilt” and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Her parents also said that Sydney had difficulty going to class and was afraid of sitting in a classroom.
The one-year anniversary of the shooting was on February 14.
A GoFundMe account has been set up and raised more than $7,000 at the time of this writing.
Sydney spent 19 years writing her story as a beloved daughter, sister and friend to many. She lit up every room she entered. She filled her days cheerleading, doing yoga, and brightening up the days of others. Sydney aspired to work in the medical field helping others in need.
“It breaks my heart that we’ve lost yet another student from Stoneman Douglas,” Ryan Petty, whose daughter Alaina was killed during the shooting, told WFOR. “My advice to parents is to ask questions. Don’t wait.”
“Some of the questions that need to be asked are: Do you wish you were dead and not wake up? Second question: Have you had thoughts of killing yourself?”
Petty has been putting effort towards suicide prevention since the shooting, knowing that some of those survivors from the shooting could be dealing with deep trauma.
Our deepest condolences are with Sydney’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.