The parents of a Danville girl believed to have jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge last week thanked the community for its support on Friday and announced a public celebration of the girl’s life.
Hundreds of volunteers helped search for Allison “Alliy” Bayliss, 15, after she was reported missing on Monday. Officials uncovered evidence the next day indicating she had jumped from the bridge in an apparent suicide.
“The tremendous support and love shown for Alliy has been overwhelming,” her family said in a statement. “We are grateful beyond words for the outpouring of concern, care and community that makes this place we live so special.”
The family will hold a celebration of Allison’s life on Monday at the Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. Attendees are asked to wear blue and bring photos of Allison or other memorabilia to add to the family scrapbook.
“Alliy was a caring and compassionate young woman and an avid learner who was always interested in helping others,” the family said.
With that in mind, the “Allison Bayliss Donation Fund Account” has been established to further her interests. Donations can be made to any Wells Fargo bank.
Allison was a sophomore at San Ramon Valley High School, school district spokeswoman Terry Koehne said. She was a member of the junior varsity swim team and a very good student academically, he said.
In addition to Monday’s celebration, expressions of sympathy can be delivered to the Danville Police Department at:
Bayliss Family
C/o Danville Police Department
510 La Gonda Way
Danville, CA 94526
Monday’s celebration will begin at 2 p.m. at the church, located at 222 West El Pintado Road.
Anyone who is feeling suicidal is encouraged call the national, 24-hour suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected to the closest crisis line.
Crisis counselors from the nonprofit San Francisco Suicide Prevention are also available to participate in online chats at www.sfsuicide.org.
Janna Brancolini, Bay City News
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