Trenton Girl Taunted By Neighbor’s ‘Death Machine’ Has Died

January 12, 2012 9:03 AM

Kathleen Edward (Facebook Photo)

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TRENTON (WWJ) - The Downriver girl who attracted worldwide attention for a neighbor’s taunting during her battle with Huntington’s Disease has died.

Nine-year-old Kathleen Edward, of Trenton, died Wednesday night after a long bout with pneumonia, which is especially tough for Huntington’s patients to beat.

“Kathleen far exceeded our expectations of survival. She’s the strongest little girl I ever met in my entire life, and she didn’t quit fighting. Now she gets to go into the arms of her mother, Laura,” said family friend Michelle Yerigian.

Kathleen was diagnosed with the disease when she was about 3 years old. She was just 6 years old when her mother died of Huntington’s disease at the age of 24.

Kathleen attracted attention from around the world when they learned she was the subject of online taunting by her neighbor, Jennifer Petkov. Petkov published a photo of the terminally ill schoolgirl on Facebook above a set of skull and crossed bones. Petkov also allegedly attached a coffin to her truck, labeled it ”Death Machine” and drove it down the street honking the horn.

The girl’s plight sparked cards and letters of support from around the world, and Yerigian’s job was to field the truckloads of mail that came weekly for the girl.

“This little girl touched a lot of people’s lives and not just in Michigan, but across the world. She has friends from Australia, Indonesia, Pakistan, people all over the world have reached out to this little girl and the world is now a sadder place without her in it. But, I think she taught us a very strong lesson in that faith, hope and love can just do amazing things,” said Yerigian.

The family is currently making funeral plans. Meantime, Yerigian said Petkov is due in court next week.

Trenton Girl Taunted By Neighbors Death Machine Has Died

http://headlinenewsreport.org/usnews/michigan-girl-taunted-online-while-battling-fatal-disease-dies-abc-news.html Michigan Girl Taunted Online While Battling Fatal Disease Dies – ABC News | headlinenewsreport.org

[...] Cyber-Bullied By Neighbor …Huffington PostDetroit Free Press -The Detroit News -CBS Localall 92 news [...]
http://us.tube-news.com/kathleen-edward-girl-taunted-online-while-battling-huntingtons-disease-dies-abc-news/ Kathleen Edward, Girl Taunted Online While Battling Huntington’s Disease, Dies – ABC News | U.S.A News

[...] Internet taunts, Huntington's disease loses battleDetroit Free PressThe Detroit News -CBS Local -Huffington Postall 93 news [...]
Julie Hinson

It is so sad may Kathleen rest in peace and the Edwards family have comfort and love in thier time of mourning , am so very sorry for your lost know that the lil angel she was here on earth so she shall be in Heaven and know that she is now in the loving arms of her mom, Prayers for the Edward Family!
Nanc

I never heard about this story until tonight. I will not repeat the womans name who taunted this sweet angel for she is not worth rememberance. My Love and Prayers only go to the family of Kathleen. I am so sorry that you have had to endure such pain in your lives yet so grateful for the time you were able to share wonderful memories with Kathleen and her Mother. You are now blessed with two angels who will watch over you and will always be there when you call for them. Trust that one day you will unite and see the beauty that they are witness to now. Try to find piece in your heart for they have gone to a place where there is no pain, only joy, love, where the lion lays with the lamb. May Your God Bless You and help you find piece in your heart… Nanc
Jonathan Torry

There is so much EVIL in this world unfortunetly their children the Petkov”s will most likely be just like their parents being that are raised with all of that hate in their lives. RIP Kathleen may God Blees you and deliver you into the hands of your Mother.
David D.

They messed up, saying she has friends all over the world she can’t “have” friends if she is dead, she “had” them.
creeper00

I suspect we have not heard the last of Jennifer Petkov.
cheychey

Rip sweet lil. angel, for the worstless Petkov’s the creator has a place for people like you..