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 always the first to stand up for anyone who was being bullied or picked on. Unfortunately, that bravery made her a target for even more cruelty,” said Autumn’s mother, Summer Bushman, in an interview with WDBJ.
Although her parents knew Autumn was facing bullying, they say the situation took a tragic turn in the final weeks of her life.
It started with small, subtle changes—ones that, in hindsight, now carry heavy meaning. Autumn, once full of energy and laughter, began wearing darker clothes. Her bright smile, which had always been her trademark, slowly faded. She slept more, played less, and began pulling away from the world she had once embraced with open arms.
“I didn’t see anything that screamed, ‘Something’s really wrong,’” Mark Bushman, Autumn’s father, shared. “But there was definitely a shift. It seemed like she lost some of her sparkle in the last few weeks.”
“Can I please stay home from school?”
The Bushmans reported the bullying to school administrators, who assured them the situation was being addressed. However, Autumn’s parents now believe those efforts fell short.
Summer Bushman, Autumn’s mother, had previously spoken to her older children, ages 12 and 17, about suicide awareness. But she never imagined she would need to have that conversation with her 10-year-old daughter.
“A few weeks before her death, she came to me, crying and visibly upset,” Summer recalled. “She said, ‘Mom, I’m really stressed out. I’m being bullied. Can I please stay home from school tomorrow?’”
For Autumn, the weight of the stress had become unbearable. Her father, Mark, spoke through his pain and frustration, heartbroken over his inability to shield his daughter during the school day.
“I can’t be at school. I can’t be there to intervene, and that’s where the problem lies,” Mark said, his voice filled with anguish. “We entrust the schools with our children for hours each day, and my concern is how closely they’re truly watching over them. Are they having those important conversations with the kids? Are they taking meaningful action when something needs to be addressed?”
On March 21, 10-year-old Autumn Bushman’s life was tragically cut short when she was found in her bedroom, having taken her own life.
Her death sent shockwaves through her family and the Roanoke community. As an outpouring of support and sympathy flooded in, the local school district announced it would be conducting a thorough review into the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking tragedy.
“Due to federal privacy laws and out of respect for the family, we cannot discuss the specifics of this situation. However, we are conducting a thorough review. Our schools take all reports of bullying and student conflicts very seriously,” the district said in a statement.
Too Little, Too Late
For Autumn’s loved ones, the school’s response feels like too little, too late.
The Bushmans are now urging other parents to remain vigilant and have open, honest conversations with their children about mental health and bullying — even if it feels uncomfortable or too soon. Summer shared that while Autumn was allowed to have a phone, she was not permitted to use social media. Despite these precautions, the constant pressure and stress from school found its way into her life.
Autumn’s funeral was held at the end of March, and her family made the decision to open the service to the entire community. Their hope was that her story would spark a much-needed conversation and inspire real, lasting change.
Mark Bushman also shared a powerful message on Facebook, calling for a collective effort to end bullying in schools and communities.
“Ending bullying isn’t something we can do alone. It requires a community coming together,” he wrote. “Real change happens when we focus not on fighting the past, but on building something better for the future. Let’s give these kids a life worth living, with accountability and solid resources, both at home and in schools.”
Autumn’s story has deeply touched hearts far and wide, continuing to resonate as it spreads across the globe. The Roanoke community has come together in support of her family, with countless messages of love and solidarity, and an outpouring of voices speaking out against bullying.
A moving video tribute shared on social media captures moments of Autumn’s life — dressed in costumes, laughing with friends, and living her childhood in what now feels like the blink of an eye. Cher Nelson Johnson, a family friend, shared the video along with an emotional message:
“So heartbreaking,” she wrote, posting the video of Autumn’s joyful moments.
“Check on your people.”
The message continued, “This photograph is of a loving, sweet, young soul who has taken their own life today due to bullying. A beautiful Roanoke girl is gone too soon. Please keep Summer Bushman and her family in your thoughts during this devastating time of loss. Check on your people. Speak to your children about bullying. Bullying has to end!”
From the very beginning, Autumn’s parents have made it clear: they’re sharing their daughter’s story not only to highlight the devastating impact of bullying but to honor the incredible girl she was.
Summer and Mark Bushman remember their daughter as a bright, bubbly spirit who could light up any room. She loved dance, cheerleading, and archery. Her favorite color was baby blue. But above all, it was Autumn’s kindness and her enormous heart that made her unforgettable.
Now, they hope that Autumn’s legacy will be one of change, compassion, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that no child ever feels alone.
Experts are now urging children to speak up if they are being bullied — to reach out to trusted adults at home and at school. And for parents: listen. Watch. Act.
Because often, it’s the quietest cries for help that carry the most weight.
If you are in the USA and need immediate mental health support, or if you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 to anyone in crisis.
For those outside the USA, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.