Just a month prior, Autumn Bushman was a lively 10-year-old, described by her parents as brave, loving, and full of life.
However, on March 21, the Bushman family’s life changed forever when Autumn died by suicide at their home in Roanoke, Virginia — a tragic conclusion to what her parents claim was ongoing bullying that was never addressed.
How it took a tragic turn
As per her heartbroken parents, Autumn’s difficulties started when she defended classmates who were being bullied at Mountain View Elementary School, where she was in the fourth grade.
Instead of being recognized for her bravery, Autumn became the next victim.
The bullying reportedly started at the beginning of the school year last August, when Autumn began fourth grade.
“She was the type of person who would stand up for anyone being bullied or picked on. Sadly, that may have made her a target for even more bullying,” Autumn’s mother, Summer Bushman, told WDBJ.
While her parents knew that Autumn was dealing with bullying, they mentioned that things took a tragic turn in the last weeks of her life.
It started with small changes — changes that, looking back, held significant meaning. Autumn, who used to be full of energy and laughter, began to wear darker clothing. Her cheerful smile disappeared. She started sleeping more, playing less, and began to distance herself from the world she once faced with such courage.
“I didn’t notice anything that made me think, ‘Something’s really wrong,’” Mark Bushman shared.
“But it did seem to dim her brightness in the weeks leading up to it.”
“Can I please stay home from school?”
The couple mentioned that they informed school officials about the bullying, who promised that the issue was being handled. However, Autumn’s parents now feel that those actions were insufficient.
Summer Bushman, Autumn’s mother, stated that she had talked to her older kids, who are 12 and 17, about suicide awareness before. But she never thought she would need to have that same discussion with her 10-year-old daughter.
A few weeks back, Summer remembered, she came to me in tears, clearly very upset. She said, ‘Mom, I’m really stressed out. I’m being bullied. Can I please stay home from school tomorrow?’
For Autumn, the pressure had become overwhelming. Her father, Mark, felt both frustrated and heartbroken because he couldn’t protect his daughter while she was at school.
“I can’t be at school. I can’t referee. That’s the problem,” he explained. “We trust the schools with our kids for several hours each day, and I worry about how closely they’re monitoring them. Are they really addressing the issues with the girls and taking action when something needs to be fixed?”
On March 21, 10-year-old Autumn Bushman was tragically discovered in her bedroom after taking her own life.
Her passing shattered her family and sent shockwaves through the Roanoke community. As messages of support began to flood in, the local school district announced it would conduct a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“While we cannot share specific details about this situation due to federal privacy laws and out of respect for the family, we are performing a thorough review. Our schools take all reports of bullying and student conflicts very seriously,” the school stated.
Too little, too late
However, for Autumn’s family and friends, this response feels like too little, too late.
The Bushmans are calling on other parents to be vigilant and engage in open, honest discussions with their children about mental health and bullying — even if it seems premature. Summer mentioned that although Autumn was allowed to have a phone, she was not allowed to use social media. Nevertheless, the ongoing pressure and stress from school managed to seep in.
Autumn’s funeral was held at the end of March. Her family welcomed the entire community to the service, hoping that her story would raise awareness and inspire real change.
Mark Bushman, her dad, also posted a strong message on Facebook, encouraging parents and communities to come together in the battle against bullying.
“Ending bullying isn’t something that can be done by individuals working alone; it requires a community coming together. Real change will happen if we concentrate our efforts not on fighting the old but on creating the new. Let’s provide these kids with a life worth living through accountability and strong resources, both at home and in schools,” he wrote.
Autumn’s story has moved countless people and continues to resonate as her tragic experience spreads globally. The whole Roanoke community has come together to support her family, with many individuals sharing kind words and actively speaking out against bullying over the last month.
A touching video tribute shared on social media showcases moments from Autumn’s life — dressed in costumes, laughing outside, and growing up in what now seems like the blink of an eye. Among those paying tribute to her memory was family friend Cher Nelson Johnson, who shared the video along with a heartfelt message.
“So heartbreaking,” she commented on a post featuring a video of Autumn growing up.
Check on your people
This picture shows a loving, sweet young person who has tragically taken their own life today because of bullying. A beautiful girl from Roanoke is gone too soon.
If you can, please keep Summer Bushman and her family in your thoughts during this heartbreaking time of losing her 10-year-old daughter, Autumn Brooke Bushman… Check on your people. Talk to your kids about bullying. We need to put an end to bullying!
From the start, Autumn’s parents have made it clear: they’re sharing her story not just to highlight the terrible effects of bullying, but to celebrate the amazing girl she was.
Summer and Mark Bushman remember their daughter as a bright, cheerful spirit who brought joy to every room she entered. She loved dance, cheerleading, and archery. Her favorite color was baby blue. But more than anything, it was Autumn’s kindness and big heart that made her truly unforgettable.
Now, they hope her legacy will inspire change, compassion, and a renewed promise to ensure that no child ever feels alone.
Experts now encourage kids to speak up if they’re being bullied — to reach out to adults at home and at school. And for parents: listen. Observe. Take action.
Because sometimes, the quietest cries are the ones that matter the most.