According to his parents, he was a victim of cyberbullying, and he took his own life. He was 18.
This past Saturday, his parents, Ronald and Jeanette Lopez, his sister Jenna and his fiance Sarah Fulton (left in the photo) spoke during a memorial before a free concert in Tompkins Square Park.
As EVG contributor Stacie Joy reports, his family talked frankly and freely about bullying, cyberbullying, and the East Village community that always supported Sharpie.
Here's part of an online tribute to Lopez, who was born and raised on Staten Island:
He was extremely talented and played the guitar and bass. William continually developed his artistic abilities all throughout his life and was a tattoo artist with the family-owned business. William traveled to London which heightened his interest in the punk scene.
He found a life in the hardcore music scene and enjoyed a bit of celebrity status on the Lower East Side as the heart of the mosh pit. He befriended and was accepted by those with addiction issues and was known to have saved at least 3 lives with Narcan.
He was a leader and wise beyond his years in many aspects. He was a kind and giving soul and always caring for others.His family is hosting a celebration of his life on Oct. 17.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. STOMP Out Bullying is a nonprofit resource for kids and teens.
7 comments:
How sad to hear that a talented and warmhearted young man was driven to take his life due to cyberbullying. I'm glad that his family is celebrating him and trying to bring awareness of this issue to help others.
So sad!! 18 years old! I didn’t know this Young Man but this is heartbreaking!! My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
This is horrible news - 18 years old and his whole life ahead of him. Cyberbullying should be a crime and the platforms that these bullies use should step up and do more to ban these users. Just sad .
Cyberbullying should be a crime. Jail for them. Rikers. I was bullied. It was awful.
I love my buggi 4ever❤️ thanks for this amazing tribute Stacie, he meant alot to everyone, and he meant everything to me :( I miss him everyday
RIP William ❤️ I remember going to elementary school together and its so sad to hear you are gone. Praying for you and your family.
So sorry Jeanette about your son's passing. My heart hurts with you. May God give you stregth
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