The family of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman is speaking out following the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, who died by suicide earlier this year. Known for her energy, compassion, and spirited personality, Autumn was a fourth-grade student at Mountain View Elementary School in Roanoke. Her parents, Summer and Mark Bushman, are now sharing their story in hopes of helping other families recognize the warning signs that too often go unnoticed.
“She was our spark plug,” said Summer Bushman. “She could light up the room with her presence. Always flipping through the house, always laughing. She was nonstop.”
But in the weeks leading up to her death, Autumn’s vibrant personality began to change. She became more withdrawn, started sleeping more, smiled less, and gravitated toward darker clothing. At the time, her parents didn’t fully understand the shift—but now believe those subtle differences were cries for help.
Autumn was remembered by those who knew her as deeply empathetic and emotionally intuitive. Her obituary described a young girl with a “soft heart” who was always ready to support others. That kindness, her parents believe, may have contributed to the bullying she endured.
“She stood up for kids who were being picked on,” Summer said. “She couldn’t stand seeing someone hurt or left out. But that made her a target too.”
The Bushmans say their daughter faced persistent bullying both at school and online, a reality that felt inescapable in today’s connected world.
“In this age, kids carry their social lives in their pockets,” Mark Bushman said. “It doesn’t end when school ends. With phones and tablets, the pressure is nonstop.”
The family had raised concerns with the school prior to Autumn’s death. They now feel more should have been done to address the bullying. In response, Roanoke County Public Schools issued a statement expressing their condolences and confirming an internal review of the situation.
“This is a tragic loss,” the district stated. “While we cannot discuss the specifics due to federal privacy laws and out of respect for the family, we are conducting a thorough review. We take all reports of bullying seriously and work with families to respond to concerns.”
For Autumn’s parents, no statement can undo what has been lost—but they hope sharing their story will help prevent another tragedy. Summer is encouraging parents to remain alert, to trust their instincts, and to stay involved in their children’s emotional lives.
“Check your child’s phone,” she urged. “Make sure they’re being treated with kindness—and that they’re showing kindness, too. Sometimes, those little things mean everything.”
Autumn Bushman’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the weight young children can carry—and the importance of taking their struggles seriously. Her family hopes that by speaking out, other parents will recognize when something feels off, and act before it’s too late.
