The mother of an 11-year-old Springfield boy who took his own life is now on a crusade to end bullying inside local schools. She says her son was tormented in class and that's what ultimately led to his death.

The photos depict 11-year-old Carl Walker Hoover as a happy, typical 6th grader. He was active in Boy Scouts, an avid football player and was involved in several academic programs at Springfield's New Leadership Charter School. But something drove him to do the unthinkable inside his home on Northampton Ave. Monday night Carl's mother found him dead, hanging from an extension cord in his bedroom.

"I called his name he didn't answer, I went upstairs and that's when I found Carl, says Sirdeaner Walker.

Sirdeaner Walker says over the past few months she noticed her once happy child...drastically change.

"There was a definite change in his behavior he had difficult days, " adds Walker.

Carl confided to his mother back in September he was being bullied at school. So Sirdeaner joined the school PTOs and got involved in his academics, hoping to keep the bullying in check. She says she even confronted several administrators at The New Leadership Charter School, but never got any answers. And on Wednesday they weren't talking to us. Several phone calls went un-returned.

So she then contacted the school's guidance counselor and sought counseling outside of school. But Carl's behavior didn't improve.

"He would act out and be aggressive because he didn't want them picking on him anymore, " says Walker.

Sirdeaner knows she can't get her son back, but now she's on a crusade to help other kids just like Carl.

"Call the school even if they say it's okay, follow though and make sure something is done, " adds Walker.

Carl Walker-Hoover would have celebrated his 12th birthday next Friday. If you would like to donate to the Carl J. Walker-Hoover memorial fund you can contact any Hampden Bank.