- November 19, 2024
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Daytona Beach police responded to a call early Tuesday morning to discover 18-year-old Alexandria K. Rodriguez dead. The apparent cause of death was suicide.
Rodriguez, a former student at Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast High schools — she transferred out of FPC in November, according to Flagler County Schools Director of Student Services Katrina Townsend — was found hanging from a tree in a family member's front yard, according to the report. Volusia County Fire Services was the first unit on scene, and workers put sheets around the area to block views from the street.
The victim’s body was found by Rodriguez’s step-grandfather, David Kelley. Kelley said Rodriguez had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but he was not sure what medications she was prescribed or if she had been taking them regularly.
Rodriguez also intentionally overdosed once in the past, Kelly said. He was not aware of any conflicts she was having with friends or significant others, but he advised police that she had ongoing issues with her mother.
Rodriguez had moved in with Kelly and his wife when she turned 18, last October. But recently, he added, she began skipping school and lying around the house.
No suicide note was found.
From the family
The following letter was written by Alexandria Rodriguez's cousin C.J. Betau.
"On behalf of the family of Alexandria Rodriquez; also known as Alex, we would like to thank all of you who have sent condolences, special wishes or donated with Alexandria’s funeral expenses. With your support in our dark hour, we know tomorrow looks brighter by the minute.
"Our entire family was deeply saddened by the news of Alex’s death and to the extent she chose to take her own life. A light shines on moments like these, and our family expresses to those who are in crisis: Please seek the help you need. Suicide is not the answer and never should be, no matter the obstacles you face in life.
"Alex had been attending local churches in the Volusia and Flagler counties, as well as participating in youth groups and many after-school activities.
"As a family, we believe in the honor and integrity of the truth. What has been written regarding Alex’s life and her final hours has been out of the context of the many struggles she faced as a teenager. She was admired and loved by her friends, family and siblings, who will now miss her forever.
"Pending the conclusion of an autopsy and toxicology report, the family will currently decline comment on any matters referring to any medical conditions Alexandria may or may not have had."
