A heartbroken Seminole County family spoke Monday about the bullying their son experienced before taking his own life.

With tears streaming down their face, the family of Lamar "Shaq" Hawkins held up pictures and talked about the pain their child was experiencing.

Nearly a dozen people gathered at the Morgan and Morgan law firm to talk about bullying.

The 14-year-old’s mother and father tearfully sat in the center.

The teen was found dead Sept. 10 in a bathroom at Greenwood Lakes Middle School in Lake Mary. Dozens of teens released balloons two days later to honor the memory of their classmate who took his own life.

Family members said the boy was very small because of health conditions and believe that made him an easy target for bullies.

Shaniqua Hawkins, the boy's mother, told the room full of reporters her son was full of life.

"It is a feeling I hope that no other parent has to feel," she said. "There are no words to describe the depth of our suffering. The pain is with us every moment of every day. We were aware that Shaq was struggling with bullies at school for many years, but he never led us to believe that he was thinking of taking his life."

She said her son has been struggling with other kids pushing him down the stairs and mocking him for his size.

Hawkins said it broke her heart watching him walk out the door, knowing people were going to pick on him.

"I felt paralyzed by the inability to make the bullying stop at school," Hawkins said. "I would watch him walk out the door of our home and knew there was a very good chance others would be cruel to him."

Rebecca Sedwick's mother, Tricia Norman, also attended the press conference.

Officials from both Seminole County Public Schools and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said they can't confirm bullying was a factor in this case.

Sedwick committed suicide by jumping to her death in Polk County about a year ago. There were also issues of bullying in her death. Sedwick committed suicide by jumping to her death in Polk County about a year ago.

"I believe he took his life at school to send a message to these bullies that they were to blame for his suffering," Hawkins said.


Dr. Walt Griffin, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, issued the following statement Monday:

This is a very tragic circumstance and our hearts and prayers remain with the family during this difficult time. We are aware the family held a press conference this morning and allegations of bullying were discussed. The School Board has a comprehensive bullying policy that is fully enforced in all of our schools. 

We must remind everyone that this is an ongoing law enforcement investigation and Seminole County Public Schools has cooperated fully from the beginning as the Seminole County Sheriff's Office works diligently to gather the facts surrounding this tragedy. 

The school district remains firmly committed to assisting the family, our students, faculty and staff with support as they continue to grieve and heal. Additional counselors are in place at the school and will remain for as long as necessary.