Residents of Henderson County, North Carolina are mourning the loss of a 16-year-old who committed suicide on December 20.
Amber Cornwell's last Facebook post asked if she died that night, "Would any cry?" A line of mourners at Friday's funeral answered that question.
"I've been crying for days now," Sierra Crochet told WLOS. Crochet was a classmate at East Henderson High School, and knew Cornwell since the first grade.
The honour roll student was also a tennis player, dancer, and All County Chorus member, with a "sense of humour that could put a smile on your face," according to friends.
Unfortunately, Cornwell was also the victim of bullying, and those close to her said it was relentless teasing that caused her to hang herself in a closet.
"They were just calling her names," Crochet recounted. "And saying she had no future and had nothing going for her."
"They were really, really mean, they'd say stuff to her face, they'd say it behind her back," another friend, Stephanie Hernandez said. "On Facebook they'd message her, they texted her."
The classmates said that although the bullies may feel bad about their actions now, their remorse will be short-lived.
"I mean, yeah, they've shed a few tears but I don't think they've learned anything," Hernandez admitted.
Crochet hoped that Cornwell's death raised awareness of bullying, and that prevention groups will be started across the school district. The friends also wished they knew of Cornwell's intentions.
"I'd be in my mum's car going to her house," Crochet insisted. "I wouldn't even think twice about it."
A candlelight vigil for the teen was held on December 27 at East Henderson High School.
"I hope she's remembered as an amazing person," said Crochet.
