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Gay Teen Who Died by Suicide Laid to Rest in Rainbow Casket

Lena Waithe, Janelle Monáe, and other celebs reportedly chipped in to cover 15-year-old Nigel Shelby's funeral costs.

Late last month, the death of Nigel Shelby, a gay freshman at Huntsville High School in Alabama, rocked the nation and reopened a dialogue about bullying. Shelby, 15, died by suicide after enduring anti-gay bullying at school.

Shelby was laid to rest this Monday, April 30, when family, friends, and community members gathered at a local place of worship to say their goodbyes. According to TMZ, celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Lena Waithe, Janelle Monáe, and more donated to cover his funeral expenses.

He was buried in a custom rainbow casket, reports Aazios, and mourners wore Pride-themed t-shirts to funeral to celebrate his identity.

Atlanta chef Pinky Cole, who spearheaded the fundraising efforts, also shared a photo of program for a ceremony in honor of Shelby this past Saturday, April 27.

Shelby is survived by his loved ones, including his father, Patrick Cruz, and his mother, Camika Shelby, who confirmed that he'd been struggling with his sexuality and was bullied by his classmates.

According to his obituary, Nigel loved theater and dreamed of becoming "an actor, singer, dancer, rapper, and all-around entertainer." Above all, however, he wanted to be "an activist for the LGBTQ+ community."

Rest in power, Nigel.

Suicide and other mental health issues disproportionately affect LGBTQ youth in America. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, at 1-866-488-7386.

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