A New York mom has to spend Christmas without her daughter after she says cyber-bullying led her to child to take her own life.

KRON4 reports that Aliyah had just turned 20 when her mother, Janette Rodriguez, found her dead in the basement of their Rochester home. Aliyah hanged herself after reported relentless bullying by several girls who constantly messaged her and called her names. Amanda’s friend, Tiffany, said she witnessed the bullying first hand by one girl, in particular, who taunted Aliyah after nude photos were posted online.

“The girl constantly picked on her and a person can only take so much. People don’t understand how much words affect you, I just wish she had seen what everyone else had seen in her.”

The Rochester Police Department is currently investigating the incident, but in the meantime, Rodriguez is left wondering if there was anything she could have done to prevent her daughter’s death. She also wants justice and wants to ensure no other parents have to endure what she’s going through.

“I already miss her. I don’t know how to deal with this or cope with this, but the bullying needs to stop. I just wish she would have come to me or her dad. I wish she would have said something you know?”

According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSD), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., with around 44,193 people dying each year. If you or a loved one are contemplating hurting yourself, there is help available. Contact the  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741.

[Feature Photo: Aliyah/KRON4/Family Handout]