Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.
A 911 dispatch call has revealed an eight-year-old boy, found unconscious next to his 4-year-old sister, "didn't want to go alone".
The children's mother, Lisa Snyder, called 911 on September 23 and told the dispatcher her son had been bullied at school and she suspected he had died by suicide alongside his sister.
A medical helicopter arrived at the property in Pennsylvania to transport eight-year-old Owen and four-year-old Brinley to hospital, but they died three days later.
- Duncan Garner stunned children under ten died by suicide
- New Zealand's suicide statistics increase on last year
Police have opened a criminal investigation into the circumstances of their deaths.
"To have two children perish in the same incident really compounds our concerns and we are looking forward to having some answers," Berks County District Attorney John T Adams told The Eagle.
Police have served at least five search warrants seizing cellphones, computers and a gaming console from the home, reports The Epoch Times.
"The eight-year-old victim is known to play video games and view various internet websites utilising the X-Box gaming console," read one of the warrants.
Prior to their deaths, both children were being observed by Berks County Children and Youth Service, according to a spokesperson from the state's Department of Human Services.
The details of their involvement remain unclear.
Autopsies on the two children were inconclusive and the investigation continues.
Where to find help and support:
Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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