Rio Allred was a 12-year-old girl who loved sketching, art, reading, video games, riding her bike and going camping with her family. She had a bright smile and a witty sense of humor. She also had alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Unfortunately, this condition made her a target of bullying at school, where some of her classmates would rip off her wig, smack her head and mock her appearance. On March 14, 2022, Rio took her own life after enduring months of torment.
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What is Alopecia and How Does It Affect People?
Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. There are different types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, which causes patchy hair loss; alopecia totalis, which causes complete hair loss on the scalp; and alopecia universalis, which causes complete hair loss on the entire body. The exact cause of alopecia is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles.
Alopecia can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem, confidence and mental health. People with alopecia may face discrimination, stigma and harassment from others who do not understand their condition. They may also struggle with anxiety, depression and isolation. According to Alopecia World, a social network for people with alopecia and their supporters, some of the common challenges that people with alopecia face include:
- Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their appearance
- Worrying about how others will react to their hair loss
- Having difficulty finding wigs, hats or scarves that fit well and look natural
- Dealing with the unpredictability and uncertainty of their hair loss
- Coping with the emotional and physical side effects of treatments
- Facing negative comments, jokes or stares from others
- Feeling alone or misunderstood by their family and friends
How Did Bullying Affect Rio Allred’s Life?
Rio Allred was diagnosed with alopecia when she was 10 years old. She started wearing a wig to school in 2022, hoping to fit in and avoid attention. However, this did not stop some of her peers from bullying her mercilessly. According to her mother, Nicole Ball, Rio was bullied multiple times at North Side Middle School in Elkhart, Indiana. She said:
“She had alopecia, which is an autoimmune disease that made her body attack her hair follicles and made her hair fall out…She started this school year with a wig, a beautiful wig. Within the first few weeks, kids were ripping it off of her head. In front of the whole class…Would smack her upside the head in the hallway.”
Ball said she addressed the bullying with a social worker and counselor at the school, but there was no follow-up or intervention. She said:
“And I asked them specifically ‘please get in touch with the parents’. I don’t know if that happened. There was no follow up and three weeks later here we are.”
On March 14, 2022, Rio died by suicide at her home. Her family was devastated by the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. They said:
“She would make you laugh with her smart wit and sarcasm. She loved spending time with her BFF Lilli and her family. She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh.”
What Can Be Done to Prevent Bullying and Suicide Among People with Alopecia?
Rio Allred’s death sparked outrage and grief among the alopecia community and beyond. Many people expressed their condolences and support for her family on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Some celebrities also spoke out about their own experiences with alopecia and bullying, such as actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who revealed that she has been dealing with hair loss for years.
Rio’s family decided to take legal action against the Elkhart Community Schools for wrongful death. They filed a lawsuit in September 2022, alleging that the school district failed to protect Rio from bullying and harassment, violated her civil rights and caused her emotional distress. They are seeking damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and punitive damages.
The lawsuit also aims to raise awareness about the seriousness of bullying and its consequences for people with alopecia and other conditions. Ball said:
“Her death is not going to be in vain. Change is going to come from this.”
One of the changes that Ball hopes to see is more education and awareness about alopecia in schools and society. She said:
“They failed her. They failed us. They continue to fail other students because Rio is not the only one. I know that.”
There are several organizations and resources that provide information, support and advocacy for people with alopecia and their families, such as:
- Alopecia World, a social network for people with alopecia and their supporters
- National Alopecia Areata Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds research, provides education and support, and raises awareness about alopecia
- Children’s Alopecia Project, a nonprofit organization that provides support and empowerment for children with alopecia and their families
- Bald Girls Do Lunch, a nonprofit organization that helps women with alopecia cope and thrive
- The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth
These organizations and resources can help people with alopecia cope with their condition, connect with others who understand their challenges, and find hope and happiness in their lives. They can also help prevent bullying and suicide among people with alopecia by promoting acceptance, respect and kindness for everyone.
