13-year-old Townsville girl dies by suicide after years of bullying; family mourns

A 13-year-old girl from Townsville has died by suicide at her home in Mount Low, with her family saying years of relentless bullying—online and in person—played a role in the tragedy. Clarrissa Nicholson’s mother, Selena Nicholson, found her daughter’s body the morning after she died, shortly before Clarrissa was due to catch the bus to school. The family said her struggle with bullying was not widely understood until after her death, and they urged those who witness harassment to speak up and seek help for those who are struggling.

Relatives, classmates, and the broader community have begun to process the loss. Clarrissa, who had recently turned 13, was connected with Northern Beaches State High School in Townsville. Friends and schoolmates posted tributes online, describing a girl who loved her family, enjoyed helping others, and dreamed of a future as a social media presence despite her desire to stay grounded and care for younger children. The school community has mourned alongside her family, underscoring the impact of sustained bullying on vulnerable youths.

A funeral service for Clarrissa drew more than 200 mourners, who gathered to remember a girl described by relatives as vivacious, kind, and devoted to her siblings. The service, overseen with the help of Clarrissa’s grandmother, Trish Hamilton, took place at Holy Trinity Church in Mundingburra, where attendees signed her coffin and offered prayers and memories. Hamilton had organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs, noting in a message that bullying—whether in person or online—had shadowed her granddaughter for years and that the family hoped honoring Clarrissa’s life would raise awareness about the need to protect children online and offline.

Her mother described a girl who wore a perpetual smile and who dreamed of bright futures. "We didn’t know [about her inner struggles], she literally always had a smile on her face," Selena Nicholson said, recounting what relatives were told by others who witnessed the abuse. Clarrissa talked about wanting to be a midwife and a teacher, a combination of nurturing and service that reflected her care for babies and for younger children. Family members recalled how she would help her little sister with makeup, showing the close bond between siblings and the joys they shared in ordinary moments.

In the days leading up to her death, Clarrissa posted a TikTok video meant to raise awareness during National Suicide Month. The post carried a message that has become a common refrain for suicide-prevention campaigns: "One simple question can help save someone’s life. You matter, please stay." Friends who saw the post responded with messages of love and remembrance, expressing disbelief that she would be gone so soon and sharing memories of their time together. One friend wrote, "I love you Rissa. I sit and count the minutes go by, thinking of every moment we had together. Remember we promised we’d make TikToks some day." Another said, "You always said I was your favourite and you meant the world to me; we had our ups and downs, but now that you’re gone I can’t see the world clearly. I miss you, Clarrissa."

The grief was visible in the public messages from friends at Northern Beaches State High School, with several statements noting Clarrissa’s generosity and her willingness to support others during dark times. A classmate added, "I sob every second reading our chats together. You mean everything. I hope you rest better than you did down here on this cruel world." Others offered condolences to her mother and family, emphasizing that Clarrissa deserved support during her darkest hours and that no one should struggle alone.

Beyond the funeral and memorials, the family has called for greater awareness of bullying and the importance of reaching out to youths who may be at risk. Trish Hamilton said she hoped the GoFundMe campaign would ease the financial burden while sending a message to the community that bullying is never acceptable and that help is available. The campaign also served as a platform to encourage others to check in on friends who may be struggling and to report online harassment to the appropriate authorities.

Clarrissa’s death has reverberated through Townsville, with family and friends speaking about the need for compassion and early intervention. Her mother emphasized that Clarrissa loved babies and wanted to become a midwife, while also hoping to teach and protect younger children. Those who knew her described a daughter who sought to brighten the days of those around her, even as she faced relentless torment from peers and online commenters.

Counseling resources and helplines are highlighted in the days following tragedies like this. Lifeline Australia operates at 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636, offering confidential support to people in distress, their friends and families, and those seeking guidance on coping with bullying, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Mental-health professionals emphasize that reaching out can save lives and encourage those who notice distress in others to initiate conversation and connect them with help. If someone confides in you, listen without judgment and encourage them to seek professional support. For communities affected by such losses, school counselors and local health services can provide ongoing support and resources to help students process grief while promoting safer, more inclusive environments.

The tragedy of Clarrissa Nicholson underscores the ongoing national and regional challenge of bullying and youth mental health. While the specifics of her case are deeply personal, the broader message is universal: early intervention and sustained support can alter trajectories for vulnerable youths. In Townsville and communities across Australia, families, educators, and mental-health advocates are recommitting to anti-bullying efforts, improving access to counseling, and encouraging open dialogue that helps young people feel seen, heard, and valued.