Isla Marschke, a 14-year-old girl from Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, took her own life following years of struggling with mental health challenges and bullying. Isla, who had been diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, and autism, had recently switched to distance education after experiencing bullying at her former school, Shalom College. Despite seeming happier in her new learning environment, Isla faced challenges.
Her older sister, Ava, described the torment Isla endured, saying, “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.” Ava added that the bullies were “just awful to her” and that despite leaving traditional school, the bullying had taken a toll.
Shalom College Principal Daniel McMahon acknowledged that Isla undoubtedly faced bullying during her time at the school. He observed that while teachers at Shalom College, a Catholic school, made efforts to address bullying incidents, some of them occurred covertly, which made it challenging to manage. He mentioned that some of the bullying kids were not even students at the school. McMahon highlighted that Isla’s situation highlights larger issues beyond bullying, such as mental illness and insufficient support services in rural areas. He added that Isla struggled with numerous and complex difficulties, suggesting that assigning blame to specific individuals might bring some comfort but would ultimately be neither accurate nor constructive.
Her mother, Christie Jacobson, found Isla unresponsive in their backyard on the evening of Tuesday, October 8, 2024, where she performed CPR, but it was too late. A short note was found in Isla’s room that read, “I’m sorry, I love you mum.”
Jacobson shared that after months of searching for a therapist, she faced repeated rejections from child psychologists, as her daughter was often considered too young or providers were fully booked. Securing follow-up care was extremely challenging, as she frequently encountered refusals when seeking help.
The dance academies where Isla trained honored her by recalling her lively and cheerful spirit in classes. TNT Dance Academy said that Isla had a positive and fun-loving presence, while LA Dance Academy noted that her absence made the world dimmer.
Isla’s stepfather, Andy McLucas, remembered her as a remarkable and spirited individual with a unique sense of humor. He highlighted her talent as a singer, sharing that she had recently been invited to record the national anthem for her school.
Just a couple of hours before she passed away, Isla had been enjoying a conversation with her sister, Ava, about their upcoming birthdays, which made her death even more unexpected. Ava remembered Isla seeming perfectly fine at that moment.
A GoFundMe page established to cover Isla’s funeral expenses has raised nearly $60,000, highlighting the community’s support for the grieving family. Isla’s story shines a spotlight on the pressing need for more mental health resources in regional areas as her family and friends mourn the loss of a vibrant, talented young girl who, in her short life, touched so many.