No parent should have to go through this 💔

Just a month ago, **Autumn Bushman** was described by her parents as a fearless, loving, and energetic 10-year-old. She was a vibrant fourth grader at **Mountain View Elementary School** in Roanoke, Virginia, known for standing up for classmates who were being bullied. Tragically, on **March 21**, Autumn died by **suicide** at her home, leaving her family and community in profound grief. Her parents say relentless bullying at school played a significant role in the heartbreaking loss.

Autumn’s mother, **Summer Bushman**, explained that her daughter’s troubles began when she defended other students. Instead of being celebrated, Autumn became a target herself. Over the past months, subtle changes signaled that something was wrong: she began wearing darker clothing, withdrew from activities, slept more, and lost her bright, joyful spark. Her father, **Mark Bushman**, recalled noticing the change but not realizing the depth of her pain.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Autumn confided in her mother, expressing the stress and pressure she was under. “Mom, I’m just really stressed out. I’m being bullied. Can I please stay home from school tomorrow?” she asked. Despite her parents reporting the bullying to school administrators, they now feel that the measures taken were insufficient. Mark emphasized the difficulty of protecting children during school hours and the need for better accountability in handling bullying incidents.

Autumn’s passing devastated her family and the Roanoke community. The local school district announced a **full review** of the events that led to the tragedy, stating that all reports of bullying are taken seriously. However, for the Bushmans, the response comes too late. They are urging parents to maintain open, honest conversations with their children about mental health and bullying, even at a young age.

Autumn’s funeral, held at the end of March, was open to the community in hopes of raising awareness and inspiring meaningful change. Mark Bushman shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Putting an end to bullying is not something achieved by individuals operating alone; it is done by a community banding together. Let’s give these kids a life worth living through accountability and solid resources, both at home and in the school system.”

Autumn is remembered as a bright, kind, and spirited girl who loved dance, cheer, and archery. Her parents hope her legacy will inspire compassion, awareness, and change to ensure no child feels alone.

**If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance in the U.S., call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For other countries, visit [www.befrienders.org](http://www.befrienders.org) for local helplines.**