KEARNS, Utah - (ABC 4 News) - Sunday was a very emotional day for the family and friends of David Phan, who shot and killed himself Thursday after being bullied. A number of students witnessed the shooting after school. On Sunday, Davids family called on his friends to help stop bullying.
Coby Borceguin, friend: "David was a really cool guy. He always laughed and made jokes, and everyone kind of laughed with him," said his friend Coby Borceguin.
Beyond David's smiles and laughter, students say he was constantly bullied, and that David had had enough.
"I think that kids, when they find a shortcoming in somebody, that they can be very very mean. And David just had had enough," said Jan Nicols.
Jan Nicols grandson was David's friend, and described him as a good boy.
"Very very respectful. He was a genuinely good kid, and what happened is just a tragedy," said Nicols.
David's family, through their grief, asked David's friends to help stop bullying, and to report it.
"It was disrespectful, and I think it should all come to an end," said Borceguin.
"Whether the school board wants to admit it or not, it is a bullying issue that needs to be stopped before somebody else does the same thing," said Nicols.
David's family wants to meet with school administrators this week to address issues of conflicting statements released by the school, and said they demand effective anti-discrimination training be required for school staff.
The Granite School District said David had reported being bullied years ago, but not recently. The district also said David was facing significant personal challenges.
In lieu of flowers an account has been set up at Wells Fargo under The Anti-Bullying Foundation in memory of David Phan. All donations will go towards anti-bullying education and outreach.
