A bullied student described himself as "a loser, a freak and a fag" in a note he posted to Twitter shortly before he killed himself following years of torment over his sexuality.
Carlos Vigil, a 17-year-old from New Mexico, posted a suicide letter on the social networking site which said his tormenters "are right". "I'm sorry for not being a person that would make someone proud," the note read. "I'm an individual who is doing an injustice to the world and it's time for me to leave."
The Albuquerque Valley High School student was an avid anti-bullying campaigner after being picked on for being gay, as well as his weight, his acne and having a lazy eye, his family said.
The note Carlos posted on Twitter
Carlos' father spotted the note on Twitter and rushed home where he found his son already unconscious. On Tuesday, the family made the decision to switch off Carlos' life support.
Using Carlos' account, his family tweeted:
The teen had been bullied since he was just eight years old and his father Ray Vigil said his son just
"couldn't overcome his own pain".
"Carlos wanted to be accepted by all — when he only needed to be accepted by himself, he said.
Carlos tried to counsel other bullied teens
Tributes to Carlos have been paid by hundreds on Twitter, including former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
Useful websites and helplines:
Samaritans, open 24 hours a day, on 08457 90 90 90
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
Students Against Depression, a website by students, for students.
HopeLine runs a confidential advice helpline if you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide. Mon-Fri 10-5pm and 7pm-10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm on 0800 068 41 41
Mental Wealth UK To join the community or launch a student group contact the charity on home@mentalwealthuk.com