The coroner will investigate the death of a Melbourne teenager who took her life after claiming she was bullied.

Sarah Jean Walker, 17, died in her family''s western suburbs home earlier this month.

It is believed the VCE student was involved in a spat with another teenager about a fortnight before she died on April 7.

Sources said Sarah left notes saying she had been bullied and taunted.

Police are believed to have seized notes and several personal items, including her mobile phone.

Described as a happy student and keen hockey player, Sarah left behind her grieving father Doug, mother Evelyn, stepmum Kerrie and a younger sister.

Mr Walker said the family did not blame the school or any individual for the tragedy.

But they encouraged youths to consider other people''s feelings.

"Be kind to others and be careful what you say to people," Mr Walker said.

The Walkers said it was too early to conclude what had compelled Sarah to take her own life.

The principal of Mount St Joseph''s Girls College distanced the school from the bullying claim. "Our sole priority at this time is with the family," Regina Byrne said.

It is believed Sarah had been at the school for less than a year. Altona police confirmed they were preparing a report for the coroner.

A series of death notices in the Herald Sun reveal the devastating impact of Sarah''s death on family and friends.

Sarah''s aunt Linda and uncle Jim wrote: "A life lived too short. Cherished memories of a beautiful and special girl."

Family friend Neona Connolly recalled her vibrant personality.

"A shining light with twinkling eyes, a breath of fresh air whose sparkle warmed hearts," she wrote. "You are our ''princess who laughed''."

An under-17 player with the Altona Hockey Club, Sarah was fondly remembered by her friends. Staff and students also expressed their sorrow in a death notice published in the Herald Sun.

"She will be remembered for her smile and warmness of heart. She is already greatly missed but she will never be forgotten," it said.

Hockey teammate Hannah wrote: "Sarah, I miss our constant talking and bludging at hockey. You will be my hockey buddy for life."

Sarah was buried at the Altona Memorial Park Cemetery on April 16.

Suicide accounts for 18 per cent of deaths among Australians aged between 12 and 24.