NORTH VERNON, Ind. (WDRB) — An 11-year-old girl’s parents are suing a southern Indiana school district, alleging severe bullying and sexual abuse at school pushed their daughter to take her own life.
Fifth grader Brooklyn Cook’s parents said administrators at the Jennings County School Corporation knew what was happening and failed to stop it.
Cook was often found at the Jennings County Animal Shelter, saving up her hard-earned money to feed stray cats. After the 11-year-old died by suicide last February, a memorial now stands outside the shelter with her name on it.
A memorial stands outside the Jennings County Animal Shelter in honor of 11-year-old Brooklyn Cook, who died by suicide in February 2025. (WDRB photo)
“A beautiful little girl and a family that just loved her tremendously,” said Gregory Laker, who is representing the family in their wrongful death lawsuit against the school district and several staff members.
According to the lawsuit, the problem started when Cook was in fourth grade at North Vernon Elementary School, where two male students bullied her. After it was reported to administrators, the boys were removed from her class.
The lawsuit claims those same students were placed back in her classroom during fifth grade after a change in principals.
Several of Cook’s friends told a guidance counselor the boys told her to kill herself, showing them messages one of the students sent to her.
“Her friends felt like they were being disciplined every time they came forward and reported the bullying on Brooklyn’s behalf,” Laker said.
Months before her death, Cook posted a TikTok in which she said she did not want to be sexually assaulted at school anymore. An assistant teacher reported the video to administrators.
The lawsuit claims that despite the video and the reports from her friends, the boys were never removed from her classroom or disciplined, even as the bullying continued almost daily during her fifth grade year.
Cook then lost her life to suicide Feb. 17, 2025.
“The hardest thing in the world is burying your own child,” said Laker. “They had to do that with their 11-year-old daughter. Her brother lost, by all reports, his best friend in Brooklyn.”
In a statement, JCSC Superintendent Nicole Johnson said “Jennings County School Corporation is aware of the lawsuit. We strongly deny the allegations and will have no further comment on this pending legal matter at this time.”
The family contends the district’s response was insufficient and contributed to their daughter’s death.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and thoughts of self harm, the 988 crisis and suicide lifeline is available 24/7.
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