A 12-YEAR-OLD ALABAMA GIRL TOOK HER OWN LIFE ON FEBRUARY 17TH. SHE LEFT A HAUNTING MESSAGE THAT HER PARENTS HOPE WILL SAVE ANOTHER CHILD SOMEDAY.(PHOTO).

 A 12-year-old Alabama girl took her own life on February 17th. She left a haunting message that her parents hope will save another child someday.

Lindsey Swan dreamed of becoming a Marine Biologist someday and saving whales. She was rehearsing for her upcoming role in a children's theater production of the Lion King. 

Sadly, now the stage will seem emptier. Lindsey took her life on February 17th after succumbing to the pressures of bullying by peers. 

Her family says she had been struggling and had spoken with friends about taking her life. They wish those friends would have reached out, saying that very well could have saved Lindsey's life. They hope Lindsey's story will encourage children who hear their friends saying those types of things, to come forward in the future.

Lindsey's parents have shared Lindsey's last heartbreaking entry in her journal. It reads as follows: 

"It's too late for me. Please talk to someone even if they act or look O.K. They might make it because of you."

Lindsey was a student at Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville, Alabama. Lindsey's family says she experienced extensive bullying from fellow students.

Lindsey had lost her father 4 years ago. It left Lindsey broken-hearted, and she had struggled to deal with the loss. Her mother says the children at school took the fact that her father had passed away and weoponized it to mock her, adding to the hurt she felt.

However, despite her struggles at school, Lindsey was good at hiding that at home. Her mother said the day before her death, she had  been laughing and joking at home and making future plans. 

They hope Lindsey's story will help parents look closer for warning signs and for kids who hear their friends speaking of ending their lives to speak up and tell someone. 

They say ultimately it's not about blame at all, but about protecting the next child.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know there is help out there. Call or text 988. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please reach out to someone if your friend has said they are thinking of doing something permanent. Talk to someone you love, and if you are a child, please reach out to an adult you trust. 

Things DO get better. 

Our thoughts are with Lindsey's family at this time. 

Rest in Peace, Lindsey