Autumn Bushman, a 10-year-old girl from Roanoke, Virginia, tragically ended her own life on March 21 after enduring relentless bullying at school. Her death has left her family and the entire community heartbroken and searching for answers.
According to her parents, Summer and Mark Bushman, Autumn became a target of bullying when she chose to stand up for her classmates who were being mistreated. Her bravery, instead of being celebrated, made her the next victim, turning her school experience into a daily struggle.
Over time, Autumn’s behavior began to shift dramatically. Once full of light, laughter, and joy, she became more withdrawn and distant. Her wardrobe turned darker, and the sparkle in her eyes began to fade. Her parents sensed something was terribly wrong.
They reached out to school officials multiple times, sharing their concerns and asking for help. Unfortunately, they felt their cries were brushed off or met with inadequate responses. The support Autumn needed never truly arrived.
In the days leading up to her death, Autumn pleaded with her parents to let her stay home from school. The emotional weight she was carrying had become unbearable. Anxiety, fear, and sadness consumed her in silence, and the pressure overwhelmed her.
Her passing has shaken the community to its core. People who knew her remember a kind, thoughtful, and strong young girl—someone who was always quick to help others, even if it meant putting herself in harm’s way.
Her parents have now turned their pain into purpose. They are speaking out in hopes that Autumn’s story will raise awareness about bullying and mental health support in schools. They want others to see the signs, to listen more closely, and to act more quickly.
They describe Autumn as a vibrant child with many passions. She loved dance, cheerleading, and archery. But more than anything, she was known for her compassion and her courage to defend those who couldn’t defend themselves.
The school district has since launched an investigation into the events that led to her death. However, for the Bushman family, these efforts feel too little, too late. The opportunity to protect their daughter has already passed.
Now, Summer and Mark hope that by sharing Autumn’s story, they can prevent another family from enduring the same heartbreak. Their wish is simple yet powerful: for no child to feel so alone, and for every school to become a safe place where kindness is taught—and practiced—every single day.