Just a month ago, Autumn Bushman was a vibrant 10-year-old, described by her parents as fearless, loving, and full of energy.
But on March 21, the Bushman family’s world shattered when Autumn died by suicide at their home in Roanoke, Virginia — a heartbreaking end to what her parents say was relentless bullying that went unchecked.
How it took a heartbreaking turn
According to her grieving parents, Autumn’s troubles began when she stood up for classmates who were being bullied at Mountain View Elementary School, where she was in the fourth grade.
Instead of being celebrated for her courage, Autumn became the next target.
The bullying reportedly began at the start of the school year last August, when Autumn entered the fourth grade.
“She was one if somebody was getting bullied or picked on, she would stand up for them. And unfortunately that may have made her a target for more bullying,” Autumn’s mom, Summer Bushman told WDBJ.
Autumn’s parents knew she was being bullied. They had spoken up, raised concerns with the school. But in the final weeks of her life, things quietly—and heartbreakingly—began to shift.
The changes were subtle at first. Small things that, only in hindsight, carry the weight of a thousand unspoken words. Autumn, once bursting with light and laughter, started dressing in darker clothes. Her radiant smile faded. She slept more, played less, and slowly began retreating from the world she once embraced so fearlessly.
“I didn’t see anything that screamed, ‘Something’s really wrong,’” said her father, Mark Bushman. “But it felt like her spark started to dim in those final weeks.”
Then came the plea no parent ever forgets:
“Can I please stay home from school?”
Mark and Summer Bushman had already reported the bullying to school officials. Administrators assured them it was being handled. But now, they believe those efforts fell short—tragically short.
Summer, Autumn’s mother, had once talked to her older children—aged 12 and 17—about mental health and suicide awareness. But never, in her worst fears, did she imagine needing to have that conversation with her 10-year-old.
“A few weeks ago, she came to me in tears,” Summer said softly. “She was so upset. She said, ‘Mom, I’m really stressed. I’m being bullied. Can I please just stay home from school tomorrow?’”
For Autumn Bushman, the weight of the stress became unbearable. Her father, Mark, carries a pain no parent should ever know—a heartbreak made worse by a sense of helplessness.
“I can’t be at school. I can’t be there to referee,” he said. “And that’s the hardest part. We trust schools with our kids for hours every day—but how closely are they really watching? Are they stepping in when something needs to be fixed? Are they truly listening?”
On March 21, 10-year-old Autumn was found in her bedroom after taking her own life.
The news shattered her family—and shook the Roanoke community to its core. In the days that followed, messages of grief and support poured in. The local school district issued a statement, pledging a full review into what led to this devastating loss.
“While we cannot share details due to federal privacy laws and out of respect for the family, we are conducting a thorough review,” the district said. “Our schools take all reports of bullying and student conflict very seriously.”10
But for the Bushmans, the response came too late.
Now, they’re speaking out—hoping their daughter’s story can prevent another tragedy.
They’re urging parents to stay vigilant. To have open, even uncomfortable conversations about mental health and bullying—no matter how young their children are.
“Autumn had a phone,” said her mother, Summer. “But she wasn’t allowed on social media. Still, the pressure from school found a way in.”
At the end of March, the Bushmans held Autumn’s funeral. They opened the service to the entire community, turning their private grief into a public call for awareness, compassion, and change.
Autumn’s father, Mark Bushman, took to Facebook with a powerful message—a heartfelt plea for unity in the fight against bullying.
“Ending bullying isn’t something one person can do alone,” he wrote. “It takes an entire community coming together. Real change happens when we stop fighting the old and start building the new. Let’s give these kids a life worth living—through accountability, and real support, both at home and in our schools.”10
Autumn’s story has touched hearts far beyond Roanoke. Her tragic experience has gone viral, sparking conversations and calls for change around the world. Locally, the Roanoke community has wrapped the Bushman family in love, flooding social media with messages of support and a united stand against bullying.
One of the most emotional tributes is a video montage shared by family friend Cher Nelson Johnson. It shows Autumn through the years—laughing in the sunshine, dressing up in costumes, dancing through childhood. Moments now frozen in time.
“So heartbreaking,” Cher wrote, as she posted the video. “This is the face of a sweet, kind young soul… A beautiful Roanoke girl, gone far too soon because of bullying. Please keep Summer Bushman and her family in your thoughts during this devastating time.”
“Check on your people. Talk to your kids. Bullying has to end.”
From the start, Autumn’s parents have been clear: they are sharing their daughter’s story not just to expose the pain bullying can cause, but to celebrate the incredible light she brought to the world.
They remember her as a bright, bubbly spirit who could light up any room. She loved dance, cheerleading, and archery. Her favorite color was baby blue. But more than anything, it was her kindness—her huge, loving heart—that made her unforgettable.
Now, Summer and Mark Bushman hope Autumn’s legacy becomes one of compassion, change, and a renewed commitment to ensuring no child ever feels alone.10
Experts now urge children to speak up if they’re being bullied — to talk to adults at home and at school. And for parents: listen. Watch. Act.
Because sometimes, the quietest cries are the ones that matter most.
If you are based in the USA and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
