GORDONSVILLE, Tenn. -
The parents of a 14-year-old Gordonsville High School student said they believe their son committed suicide last week after being bullied at school.
Phillip Parker's parents told Nashville's News 2 their son was continuously bullied at school for being gay.
"He was bullied because of his sexual orientation. He was gay. That's why he was picked on," mother Gena Parker said.
On Friday, the eighth grader took his own life in his family's home.
"It's like a bad dream," father Phillip Parker Sr.
Gena Parker added, "I just want to wake up."
Phillip's family told Nashville's News 2 they had expressed concerns to school officials about the bullying, but nothing was ever done.
"They said kids will be kids. We'll see what's going on. We'll talk to Phillip and the other kids, but nothing was ever really done," said Gena Parker.
However, school officials told Nashville's News 2 they were unaware of the incidents.
"No reports were made to administration. We do take bullying very seriously and we are looking into any indications of this with the tragic death of this young man," said Principal Annette Hord.
School officials said a crisis management team and representatives from the Tennessee suicide prevention will be available for students this week.
Phillip Parker's funeral is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. at the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home.
In December a high school student from Cheatham County committed suicide after he too was bullied for being gay.
