Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia native, 14-year-old Isla Marschke, ended her life after enduring years of mental health struggles and persistent bullying. Isla, who was diagnosed with autism, anxiety, and OCD, had recently transitioned to distance learning after suffering bullying at Shalom College, her previous school. Despite apparent improvements in her mood at the onset of her new learning mode, she continued to face significant challenges.
Ava, Isla’s elder sister, expressed the severity of Isla’s struggles with bullying. “I’ve had to message them before to leave Isla alone, and I’ve had to speak to them at school… because it just gets so out of hand,” she disclosed. Despite Isla’s departure from conventional schooling, the effects of the bullying were palpable.
Principal Daniel McMahon of Shalom College, a Catholic institution, confirmed the bullying Isla encountered during her time at the school. According to McMahon, while the staff at Shalom College attempted to address bullying incidents, some happened covertly, making them challenging to address. Some of the perpetrators were not even students at the school. McMahon underscored that Isla’s case underlines broader issues such as mental health and the lack of support services in rural areas. He further noted that Isla’s struggles were multifaceted, hence blaming specific individuals might offer temporary relief but would neither be accurate nor helpful.
Isla’s mother, Christie Jacobson, discovered her unresponsive in their backyard on the evening of October 8, 2024. Despite Jacobson’s attempts at CPR, Isla did not survive. A brief note found in Isla’s room read, “I’m sorry, I love you mum.”
Jacobson revealed that she had spent months looking for a therapist for her daughter, only to face countless rejections from child psychologists. These professionals either deemed Isla too young, or their schedules were already full. Jacobson often met with denials when seeking further care, making it extremely difficult to secure.
The dance academies where Isla honed her skills remembered her vibrant and joyful spirit. TNT Dance Academy described Isla as having a positive and fun-loving presence, while LA Dance Academy noted her absence made the world less bright.
Isla’s stepfather, Andy McLucas, reminisced on her as a unique individual with a notable sense of humor. He highlighted her singing talent, mentioning that she had recently been asked to record the national anthem for her school.
Just before her passing, Isla had been discussing upcoming birthdays with her sister Ava, making her death even more shocking. Ava recalled Isla being completely normal during their conversation.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover funeral costs raised nearly $60,000, demonstrating the community’s support for the bereaved family. Isla’s tragic story underscores the urgent need for increased mental health resources in regional areas, as her loved ones mourn the loss of a lively, gifted young girl who touched many lives in her short time on earth.
