10-year-old Autumn Bushman, a vibrant fourth-grader from Roanoke,
Virginia, tragically passed away,
leaving her family and community heartbroken.
In the weeks before her death, her parents noticed changes—she became quieter,
slept more, and wore darker clothes.
They later realized these were signs of emotional distress
.Autumn was known for her
kind heart and often stood up for bullied classmates,
which her parents believe
made her a target of both in-person and online bullying.
Despite reporting it to the school,
her family feels not enough was done.
Roanoke County Schools expressed,
condolences and promised a review.
Autumn’s parents urge other families to stay alert,
check their children’s phones, and recognize warning signs early.
Her story is a powerful reminder
of how serious the effects of bullying can be.
