EVANS, Ga. ()- October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, highlighting the urgent need for bullying intervention following a student’s tragic passing at Harlem Middle School. 

The Harlem community continues to mourn the loss of Aiden Lee.

The 6th grader at Harlem Middle School died last Wednesday at just 11 years old. 

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Lee family. Losing a student in any circumstance is heart-wrenching and leaves a profound impact on us all,” stated Penny Jackson, associate superintendent for the Columbia County School District.

After reaching out to the family for comment, they say they are heartbroken and devastated after losing their son.

They’re remembering him for his love for soccer, his passion for band, and respect for others.

In a statement, they say:

“On the night of Wednesday, September 24, 2025, our beloved Aiden quietly left us in his sleep. The pain and emptiness we feel are indescribable.”

“We also keep the school’s staff and fellow students in our thoughts, as they navigate this challenging time,” Jackson mentioned.

The family also says in the days following his death, a close friend of Aiden came to their home to tell them what happened to Aiden at school.

That friend told the family Aiden was bullied, tormented, and even threatened his life.

Jackson says the school district has plans in place to address bullying this month and going forward.

“Our primary focus in October is on anti-bullying efforts. We have initiatives ready to boost our anti-bullying message this month. It’s crucial to act if you witness bullying—report it directly, rather than relying on rumors or hearsay,” she emphasized.

The grieving family is determined to ensure such a tragedy is not repeated, making it their mission to advocate for bullying prevention.

School leaders say it takes involvement from students, parents, and faculty to report bullying incidents. 

“All the above, it certainly is. It takes that shared responsibility. It’s making sure the students know where to go, how to report,” said Jackson.

While the community grieves, some choose to celebrate his memory with commemorative T-shirts and a GoFundMe campaign in anticipation of his memorial service.

This is the full statement from the Lee Family, which shares more details about their son:

In Loving Memory of Aiden Hyunkyung Lee

Aiden Hyunkyung Lee was born on May 29, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia.

He grew up in Fairfax, VA, attending Marshall Road Elementary School until the 4th grade,

where his love for the Lord Jesus Christ and his kindness toward others shined brightly. Aiden

was always full of love, joy, and compassion—caring deeply for everyone around him. After our family moved to Grovetown, GA, Aiden found a new circle of amazing friends at Willowoak Village—Ellie, Emy, Nora, Daxton, and Emilia. Our neighborhood was always alive

with their laughter, joy, and energy.

At Euchee Creek Elementary, Aiden thrived under the care of dedicated teachers and the

friendship of his classmates. He was recognized with the Johns Award upon graduation, an

honor that made us so proud of his character and good citizenship.

Aiden loved Lego, solving Rubik’s cubes, Roblox, and spending time with friends. He even

created a Roblox game titled “Spread the Love”, which perfectly captured his personality and his desire to share kindness wherever he went. He loved playing soccer and spent two years with the Bulls Soccer Club, where he enjoyed every moment on the field. Summers were always special for him—he adored the beach, where we spent precious family time together.

When Aiden began at Harlem Middle School, he joined the band, choosing the trombone. His

excitement was boundless—he practiced endlessly, even recalling how he once played the

recorder with his nose, making us laugh and beam with pride at his enthusiasm. Every morning and night, Aiden would hug us and say, “I love you.” We always told him the same in return. He was a child who overflowed with love and kindness, making friends wherever he went.

But on the night of Wednesday, September 24, 2025, our beloved Aiden quietly left us in his

sleep. The pain and emptiness we feel are indescribable. We cannot fathom the loneliness and

fear he must have endured in silence before making this heartbreaking decision. Just days later, one of Aiden’s friends bravely came to our home, full of sorrow and courage, to tell us what had happened to him at school. Aiden had been bullied, tormented, and even threatened with his life. Despite receiving therapy and assuring us he was doing better, the cruelty he endured proved unbearable.

Through social media outreach, other parents have since come forward with stories, names, and places, painting a devastating picture of what Aiden suffered. The details are too cruel to repeat.

As parents, we are left with shattered hearts, but also with a mission: to ensure no other family has to endure this pain, and no other child has to suffer in silence. Bullying is not harmless. It is not “just part of growing up.” It destroys lives. It must be taken seriously, strictly prohibited, and dealt with firmly. Aiden was a loving son, a devoted friend, and a child who brought joy to everyone he met. We want to honor his memory not only by remembering his smile, his kindness, and his love, but also by fighting to make sure his story becomes the reason another child is saved. Bullying must end. No family should ever have to hold their child’s cold body and wonder why.“

~ The Family of Aiden Lee