Fund set up to help family of boy who died

COEUR d'ALENE - A fund has been set up at a local bank to help the family of a 12-year-old Coeur d'Alene boy who died last weekend.

Kim Tucker told The Press that her son, Kris, took his own life on Sunday. She did not want the details of his death released.

There had been at least two incidents, including one the night before her son died, in which Tucker believes Kris was taunted by another boy. She said she did not consider the situation similar to the bullying alleged to have occurred in other highly publicized cases in other states.

"I would just like it if kids were nicer to each other, more sensitive to each other," Tucker said.

The Press has a policy of not releasing the names of persons believed to have committed suicide, but Tucker granted permission because she hopes her son's story might help save another child.

Coeur d'Alene police officers responded to the Tucker residence Sunday evening.

Sgt. Christie Wood said the official cause of death has not been determined as investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy.

Wood said detectives heard no mention of bullying in the course of their investigation.

"They have talked to the parents, family members, friends, and the child's girlfriend, and this issue has never been raised," Wood reported.

Kris was a student at Lakes Middle School. Tucker said he loved sports, especially football, and wanted to play professionally some day.

"He loved riding his bike and going to the skate park. He was good at doing tricks on his bike," Tucker said.

Kris also loved his friends and his family.

"He was kind of a hard shell, but really soft underneath," Tucker said.

Coeur d'Alene School Superintendent Hazel Bauman said the district will have grief counseling available when school commences next month.

Friends set up an account at Panhandle State Bank to help Tucker pay for funeral expenses. Donations can be made at any branch in the name of Kris Tucker.