The Moore family of Kansas is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Caleb Moore, who died by suicide after falling victim to an online sextortion scam. What began as a chat with someone posing as a teenage girl on TikTok quickly escalated into blackmail through Snapchat. The impersonator sent suggestive images and pressured Caleb to respond with his own, eventually threatening to leak the photos unless he paid money.
Caleb’s mother, Morgan Moore, shared that the entire situation unfolded in just 35 minutes—long enough to leave her son overwhelmed and afraid. After receiving a text from Caleb saying “It’s going to be okay,” his father found him in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, Caleb passed away at home. Investigators later confirmed the scam started on TikTok and intensified on Snapchat, prompting the FBI to open an investigation.
In response, both platforms reiterated their safety measures for teen users, but Caleb’s mother emphasized that technology alone isn’t enough. She now urges parents to have open conversations with their children about online safety, and encourages teens to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened online. “These scammers make kids believe their world is over,” she said, “but it’s not—there’s always someone who will help.”
Caleb was remembered by loved ones as kind, caring, and full of light. His former coach and daycare provider described him as gentle-hearted and deeply empathetic, someone who brightened every room he entered. As tributes continue to pour in, Caleb’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly online threats can become real-world tragedies—and how important it is to protect and listen to our children.
