utumn Bushman, a vivacious 10-year-old described by her parents as brave, loving, and full of energy, died just a month later.

However, on March 21, the Bushman family’s world was devastated when Autumn committed suicide at their home in Roanoke, Virginia, bringing an end to what her parents describe as rampant bullying.

According to her bereaved parents, Autumn’s problems began when she stood up for classmates who were being tormented at Mountain View Elementary School when she was in fourth grade.

Autumn didn’t receive praise for her bravery, but instead became the next target.

The bullying allegedly began at the start of the school year in August, when Autumn started fourth grade.

“She was the type of person who would defend someone who was being bullied or picked on.” Unfortunately, that may have made her a target for more bullying,” Autumn’s mother, Summer Bushman, told WDBJ.

While Autumn’s parents were aware that she was being b*llied, they believe the situation took a devastating turn in the last weeks of her life.

It began with tiny adjustments that, in retrospect, held significant importance. Autumn, once full of vigor and laughter, began to dress in darker tones. Her dazzling grin disappeared. She slept more, played less, and began to withdraw from the world she had previously embraced so bravely.

“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 duo claims they told the school about the b*llying, and the school said it was being addressed. However, Autumn’s parents now consider that their efforts were insufficient.

Autumn’s mother, Summer Bushman, stated that she had previously spoken with her elder children, aged 12 and 17, about suicide awareness. She never envisioned having the same talk with her 10-year-old daughter.

“A few weeks ago, she came to me crying, and she was really upset,” Summer said to me afterward. “And she said, ‘Mom, I’m just so stressed out. I am being b*llied.” Can I please stay home from school tomorrow?”

Autumn’s tension had been too much. Her father, Mark, expressed sadness and grief at being unable to safeguard his daughter during school hours.

“I can’t attend school. I am also unable to referee. I believe that is the main concern,” he stated. “We entrust the schools with our children for several hours a day, and I’m concerned about how closely the schools monitor them. Are they actively participating in discussions with the women and making the necessary changes?

On March 21, authorities found 10-year-old Autumn Bushman dead in her bedroom after she committed suicide.

Her death saddened her family and shocked the Roanoke community. As words of sympathy came in, the local school system said that it would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

“We cannot share the facts of this incident owing to federal privacy rules and out of respect for the family, but we are undertaking an extensive assessment.” Our schools take all reports of bullying and student conflict very seriously,” the school stated in a statement.

However, Autumn’s loved ones feel that the solution comes too late.

The Bushmans want other parents to be aware and discuss mental health and bullying with their kids, even if it seems too soon. Summer revealed that Autumn was authorized to have a phone but not to use social media. Still, the continual pressure and stress of education found its way in.

Autumn’s funeral occurred at the end of March. Her family made the service available to the whole community, hoping that her tale would raise awareness and encourage positive change.

Her father, Mark Bushman, also posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, asking parents and communities to join in the fight against b*llying.

“Putting a stop to bullying requires a community to come together rather than individuals working alone. Focusing our efforts on creating the new, rather than battling the old, will lead to meaningful change. Let us offer these kids a life worth living by holding them accountable and providing them with enough resources at home and in the educational system,” he stated.

Autumn’s tale has touched many people’s hearts and continues to do so as word travels about her awful experience throughout the world. Over the last month, the whole Roanoke community has rallied around her family, with many individuals sending supportive notes and aggressively speaking out against bullying.

A poignant video tribute uploaded on social media depicts events from Autumn’s childhood—dressing up in costumes, laughing outside, and growing up in what seems like a blink of an eye. Cher Nelson Johnson, a family friend, was among many who paid tribute to her memory by sharing the video and a heartfelt statement.

“So heartbreaking,” she said in a post that featured a video of Autumn growing up.

Check on your people.

‘This snapshot depicts a wonderful, precious young person who took their life today due to bullying. A lovely Roanoke girl died far too young.

Please remember Summer Bushman and her family as they mourn the loss of their 10-year-old daughter, Autumn Brooke Bushman. Check with your employees. Speak with your children about b*llying. B*llying needs to cease!”

Autumn’s parents have been clear from the start: they want to share her story not only to raise awareness about the devastating effects of b*llying but also to celebrate the great kid she was.

Summer and Mark Bushman recall their daughter as a cheerful, exuberant soul who brightened every place she entered. She enjoyed dancing, cheerleading, and archery. Her favorite color was baby blue. But, above all, Autumn’s generosity and enormous heart made her genuinely memorable.

They now hope her legacy will be one of reform, compassion, and a renewed dedication to ensuring that no kid feels alone.

Experts now advise children to report bullying, both at home and at school. And for parents, please listen. Be vigilant and take appropriate action.