Ten-year-old Autumn Bushman, a vibrant and empathetic fourth-grader from Roanoke, Virginia, tragically passed away after becoming a victim of relentless bullying at school and online. Her parents, Mark and Summer, noticed a heartbreaking change in her behavior—once full of energy, Autumn became withdrawn, tired, and emotionally distant. Despite reporting the bullying to school officials, her parents say little was done to protect her, and the constant pressure from social media made it impossible for her to escape the cruelty.

Autumn was known for standing up for others, a quality her mother believes may have made her a target. Her death has prompted Roanoke County Public Schools to review their response to bullying, while her grieving family urges other parents to pay close attention to their children’s emotional health and digital lives. Their story is a painful reminder of how crucial it is to take bullying seriously and to foster a culture of kindness, vigilance, and support.