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.
While her parents were aware that Autumn was facing bullying, they say the situation took a heartbreaking turn in the final weeks of her life.
It began with subtle changes — ones that, in hindsight, carried heavy meaning. Autumn, once full of spark and laughter, started wearing darker clothes. Her bright smile faded. She slept more, played less, and began to pull away from the world she once embraced so fearlessly.
“I saw no signs that made me go, ‘Something’s really wrong,’” Mark Bushman said.
“But it did seem to dull her shine in the last few weeks leading up.”
”Can I please stay home from school?”
The couple says they reported the bullying to school administrators, who assured them the situation was being addressed. But Autumn’s parents now believe those efforts weren’t enough.
Summer Bushman, Autumn’s mother, said she had previously spoken to her older children, ages 12 and 17, about suicide awareness. But she never imagined needing to have that same conversation with her 10-year-old daughter.
“A few weeks ago, she came to me crying and she was really upset,” Summer recalled. “And she said, you know, ‘Mom, I’m just, I’m really stressed out. I’m being bullied. Can I please stay home from school tomorrow?’”
For Autumn, the stress had become too much. Her father, Mark, expressed frustration and heartbreak over not being able to protect his daughter during school hours.
“I can’t be at school. And I can’t referee. And I think that’s the issue,” he said. “We’re entrusting the schools with our kids for several hours a day, and how close of tabs the school’s keeping on them is my concern. Are they really talking it out with the girls and taking action if something needs to be corrected?”
On March 21, 10-year-old Autumn Bushman was tragically found in her bedroom after taking her own life.
Her death devastated her family and rocked the Roanoke community. As messages of support poured in, the local school district said it’s launching a full review into the events that led to the tragedy.
“While we cannot discuss the specifics of this situation due to federal privacy laws and out of respect for the family, we are conducting a thorough review. Our schools take all reports of bullying and conflicts among students very seriously”, the school said in a statement.
Too little, too late
But for Autumn’s loved ones, the response is too little, too late.
The Bushmans are urging other parents to stay alert and have open, honest conversations with their kids about mental health and bullying — even if it feels too early. Summer explained that while Autumn was allowed to have a phone, she wasn’t permitted to use social media. Still, the constant pressure and stress from school found a way in.
Autumn’s funeral took place at the end of March. Her family opened the service to the entire community, hoping her story would raise awareness and inspire meaningful change.
Her dad, Mark Bushman also shared a powerful message on Facebook, urging parents and communities to unite in the fight against bullying.
“Putting an end to bullying is not something achieved by individuals operating alone; it is done by a community banding together. Meaningful change will come if we focus our energy not on fighting the old but on building the new. Let’s give these kids a life worth living through accountability and solid resources, both at home and in the school system,” he wrote.
Autumn’s story has touched countless hearts and continues to resonate as her tragic experience spreads across the world. The entire Roanoke community has rallied around her family, with many people sharing kind messages and actively speaking out against bullying over the past month.
A heartfelt video tribute shared on social media captures moments from Autumn’s life — dressed up in costumes, laughing outdoors, and growing up in what now feels like the blink of an eye. Among those honoring her memory was family friend Cher Nelson Johnson, who shared the video along with a touching message.
”So heartbreaking,” she wrote on a post showing a video of Autumn growing up.
Check on your people
‘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.
‘If you could, please keep Summer Bushman and her family in your thoughts during this devastating time of loss of her 10 year old daughter Autumn Brooke bushman… Check on your people. Speak to your children about bullying. Bullying has to come to an end!”
From the very beginning, Autumn’s parents have been clear: they’re sharing her story not just to shed light on 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 lit up every room she walked into. She loved dance, cheer, and archery. Her favorite color was baby blue. But above all, it was Autumn’s kindness and big heart that made her truly unforgettable.
Now, they hope her legacy will be one of change, compassion, and a renewed commitment to making sure no child ever feels alone.
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.
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