A Pennsylvania sixth-grader is in a coma after a reported schoolyard fight with at least one other student.
Eleven-year-old Bailey O'Neill, who may have been the victim of bullying, is now in a medically induced coma after the incident occurred at Darby Township School in Delaware County, reports ABC affiliate WPVI-TV. The boy's father, Rob, told the local station that his son's condition is a result of a January fight, which left the boy with a broken nose and concussion. When the boy began having seizures, doctors at A.I. duPont Hospital were forced to put him into a coma.
According to the Delaware County Daily Times, the boy's grandmother, Joy Fecanin, blamed the incident on 'two bullies." She revealed more about her grandson's condition on Thursday evening. “The doctors say it is a result of a blow to the head,” she told the local paper.
Bailey's father said the boy who bullied his son was suspended for two days and police have not filed any criminal charges. When asked for a response, Southeast Delco School District Superintendent Stephen Butz told WPVI that the district is concerned for Bailey but, "due to the age of the students involved and the ongoing police investigation, I am unable to make any additional comments."
Butz reiterated to ABC News that the police are handling the incident. “We take bullying seriously,” he told ABCNews.com. ”We are very concerned about the medical condition of the student and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and students.”
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan shot down speculation about bullying allegations to the Delco Times, saying, “We are reviewing the bullying issue to determine if it did occur, or if it was a fight in the schoolyard." Adding that investigators “will be looking at medical records” to determine what caused the 11-year-old's condition.