Grieving Parents Speak Out After 10-Year-Old Daughter Dies by Suicide Following Bullying

The parents of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman are speaking out following her tragic death by suicide on March 21, hoping their story will raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.

Autumn, a fourth-grader at Mountain View Elementary in Roanoke, had once been an energetic, free-spirited child. But in the weeks leading up to her death, her parents—Mark and Summer Bushman—noticed painful changes. She became withdrawn, slept more, smiled less, and began wearing dark clothing. They say she was targeted for doing what many adults hope children will do: standing up to bullies.

“She would stand up for other kids,” her mother said. “That may have made her more vulnerable.”

Despite reporting the bullying to the school, the Bushmans say it continued. Roanoke school officials said they’re reviewing the situation but couldn’t speak about the case specifically due to student privacy laws. In a statement, the school noted, “All reports of bullying and student conflict are taken very seriously.”

Autumn’s parents believe the harassment wasn’t limited to the schoolyard—it followed her through digital devices, becoming relentless. “There’s no way out,” said her father, Mark. “It happens all the time.”

The Roanoke community is heartbroken. A family friend, Cher Nelson Johnson, posted a moving video tribute describing Autumn as a kind and compassionate girl whose life ended far too soon.

Autumn’s family is inviting the public to her visitation and funeral this weekend, using this moment to urge parents, teachers, and students to speak up about bullying and check in with their children.

“This shouldn’t happen to any other child,” said Summer. “We need to protect our kids—not just at school, but everywhere.”