© ABC News10/KXYV
A 12-year-old boy took his own life. And tonight, that boy's family and friends, including the staff and students at Folsom Middle School, are searching for answers.
Those close to Ronin Shimizu say he could not take the bullying anymore.
The district confirms they did get a number of complaints from the parents of the boy. They say they followed protocol, but friends say it just wouldn't stop. Shimizu had a bright smile, but apparently there was a lot of pain.
"He was a really great friend," said a friend.
It was an unimaginable loss, as friends and family gathered around the Shimizu home Thursday night for a quiet candle light vigil.
Shimizu had previously attended Folsom Middle School, but was only recently being home schooled. He killed himself yesterday.
"I didn't see why people would tease him because he was so nice," said a fellow cheerleader.
Those who knew Shimizu say he was the only male cheerleader with the Vista Junior Eagles Cheer Team.
"I heard that people called him gay because he was a cheerleader," said.
"It's a shocking and saddening incident," said.
Comment: This seems to be another tragic example in a long line of recent "bizarre and suddenly violent incidents" surfacing without apparent provocation. Perhaps an investigation will reveal a motive, but logic says a trigger, such as a derogatory remark or argument, would involve only one victim, not four random people. Is there something else underlying the cause of violent attacks to which certain types of people are susceptible? If so, it is a wake-up call to stay alert and be aware of the circumstances and persons around you.