SAN ANTONIO – The family of David Molak, 16, is bracing for his funeral service Friday morning, an alleged victim of cyberbullying.
They said he finally did what he tried to do twice before, commit suicide.
David Molak was found Monday hanged in his family’s backyard. His family had reported him missing, prompting a search by an SAPD helicopter that used David’s cell phone to locate him.
“He was a kind soul. He didn’t know how handle the situation,” said Cliff Molak, his oldest brother. “Over the past few months, he sort of became a shell of a person.”
Molak said his brother’s bullying began at Alamo Heights High School.
He said they would post messages on social media such as, “Let’s put him in a body bag” and “We’re going to put him six feet under.”
The police report also describes personal attacks over Instagram. The elder Molak said as a result, his brother had attempted suicide by taking an overdose of an over-the-counter medication and later, by, driving his vehicle into a pole.
He said his youngest brother was undergoing counseling and therapy.
Being a founding member of a North Side gym where he recently was chosen Athlete of the Month, also helped his state of mind.
“It raised his spirits and he was getting better,” Molak said.
But the cyberbullying followed his brother to the new private school he was attending.
Rather than go back after the holidays, the younger Molak took his life.
Molak said that his brother hanging himself was the “ultimate display” for his tormentors.
“He wanted people to be held accountable. In his mind, it was the only way that would happen,” Molak said.
However, District Attorney Nico LaHood said under the Texas penal code, a case like this falls under harassment, a Class B misdemeanor.
Molak said his message to parents and their children, “Their actions have consequences.”
He said that since social media can be used for good and evil, “They need to be taught accountability and they need to be taught character.”
For more information on how to prevent cyberbullying and how to get help, click on the links below.