PORTLAND, Ore. -- The story surrounding the short life of an Eastern Oregon teen who was harassed for being gay will be turned into a film.
Jadin Bell attempted to commit suicide at a La Grande elementary school playground in January of 2013. A passerby tried to rescue the 15-year-old, however he died at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland a few weeks later.
Family members said he was the target of bullying.
His father, Joe Bell, went on a cross-country walk in memory of his son when he was hit and killed by a truck in Colorado.
One of the directors of HBO's "True Detective", Cary Fukunaga, is teaming up with "Brokeback Mountain" writers Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana to tell the Bell family's story, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Joe and Jadin Bell's story is a poignant reminder of how precious life is, and a life-affirming example of love transcending the prejudice and victimization familiar to many," film production company A24 said in a statement.
Ann Clark met Joe Bell during his walk in Salt Lake City. Clark co-founded the non-profit "Joe's Walk for Change". The non-profit travels to schools to educate students on bullying and suicide prevention.
"These are wonderful people who can tell the story," Clark told KATU.
Clark said Bell had plans to write a book after his walk to share Jadin's story. She believes sharing this story with a movie audience could help save lives.
"I wish it would change minds and the way they think maybe parents could teach their kids better how to not bully...that being different is ok. Maybe the kids considering suicide will realize they can reach out," Clark said. She continued, "It is a story that needs to be told."
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