'So different and special'

MONROEVILLE — Many knew Camila Bollinger as a fearless yet friendly teenager. While shy, she easily made friends across her many extracurriculars, such as through theater, track and choir. Whether in her community, at school or elsewhere, near and far, she positively impacted many lives, family members said, leaving a lasting impact. "She cared so deeply and felt everything even deeper," Camila's aunt Trisha Bollinger said. After Camila's birth parents previously died, Trisha and several family members stepped up and rallied around her and her siblings: Calista Robinson, Karsin George and Layla Gardner. This would include Paul Bollinger, offering Camila and Karsin a safe space to live as they grew up. Camila "loved being in plays and being able to be her true silly self, making noises and entertaining people," said Trisha, who listed many of Camila's favorite hobbies, which included parasailing, ziplining, horseback riding and riding roller coasters. "She really was so different and special," Trisha said. It's what has made her sudden passing hard on so many. In memory Camila, of Monroeville, unexpectedly passed away on March 25. The Monroeville High School freshman was 16. "It was suicide," Trisha said. Trisha, in fact, was with Camila just hours before her death. "It was also what seemed like one of the happiest days ever," Trisha said. "I was with her all morning and afternoon, getting her first tattoo. She talked to us all and was excited after." Trisha and other family members knew Camila struggled with mental health issues, and they didn't shy away from this topic, approaching it delicately but persistently with her. "We talked to her about feelings and all the things you think would help a child left by so many, so young," Trisha said. "Mental health is so important." Like many other children, Camila experienced bullying — and family members believe this caused her to commit suicide. "She was also being bullied at school in Monroeville," Trisha said. "Being 16 is such a vulnerable age. So everything that adds to it is just devastating to kids that struggle." District response To help students through Camila's loss, Monroeville Schools provided them with resources. This past week, district officials offered an on-site crisis response team with additional counselors for staff and students. Students were also connected with additional outside counseling resources as needed. Monroeville Schools superintendent Kristin Kaple-Jones also addressed students and other district personnel in an email. While never referencing the word bullying, Kaple-Jones did talk about the importance of mental health awareness. She reminded students to be mindful of others and treat others with respect. She also asked community members to start and continue conversations at home, notifying the district whenever there's a concern. "We must do our best to wrap around our school community and remind our students that they are loved and cared for all the time," Kaple-Jones said. "We must set an example of kindness for our kids, too — not just in how to treat others, but also in how to be considerate and care for others when they need it." Kaple-Jones ended her message by warning of misinformation online and placing blame on other students. "There are many questions that we may never have answers to and not many details that are to be made public based on the family's wishes, which should be considered and respected," Kaple-Jones said. " At the end of the day, our school has suffered a terrible loss, and we ask that we allow the family space and time to grieve as they need to." Trisha didn't offer a comment on the school district's response. 'Best little friend' Trisha described Camila as her "best little friend." Camila lost her parents — Amanda Bollinger and Joe Buchanan — along with a sister in infancy, Kyla, so others knew to rally around her. This included her grandfather, Paul Bollinger; her grandmother, Kathy Cramer; her siblings; her uncle and aunt, Jacob and Samantha Bollinger; her cousin, Annabella Bollinger; and her pets, Moe and Ice. While she often struggled in public, she often found peace in nature where she gained inspiration for her creative spirit. Her favorite moments were spent with family, like her annual trips with her family members and her siblings. In school, she participated in activities like choir, track and theater. She would share stories and had a passion for music. She could be found making homemade gifts for her loved ones based on their individual personalities. Her aunt said everyone she knew would get a "Camila-made birthday cake," which were equal parts tasty as they were thoughtful. "She was goofy and just a young soul," Trisha said. "That's what I want someone to know about her: Her young soul was also just broken beyond what we could imagine or see." From the community Camila touched the lives of many. This is evident through those expressing sympathy on social media and her obituary: • Sophia Wise: Rest in paradise, sweet girl. I will miss the backstage laughs and your jokes and your beautiful voice. We all love you dearly. How I loved having the blessing of singing alongside you. • Candi Kinn: Clinging to the memories of backstage silliness, the joy of her laughter and that beautiful voice. Precious Camila, it was an honor to guide and direct you on that stage. You are so very loved are already so very missed, and you were never, ever alone, sweet girl. • Travis Bollinger: Camila, I wish I could of talked to you one more time. We love you very much (along with) your hugs, sweet smile and, definitely, your brownies. • Marleigh Hart: Breaks my heart all the way apart. She is such a beautiful girl, just like her sister and her momma. They were like my second family growing up. I hope she found the peace she could not find here and to her family. I am beyond sorry for your loss. Want to help? The family is asking for memorial contributions to be made to a GoFundMe, "Camila Buchanan Funeral Fund: Family Aid." People can find the link by visiting gofundme.com/f/camila-buchanan. Trisha Bollinger, Camila's aunt, said the fundraiser would help with funeral expenses and other avenues of remembrance like an annual scholarship in her name for theater and arts. People can text 988 for suicide and crisis life help. Assistance from trained professionals is available 24/7.