“She Stood Up for Others”: Roanoke Family Speaks Out After Tragic Loss of 10-Year-Old Daughter to Bullying
The community of Roanoke, Virginia is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman, a bright and compassionate young girl whose life was cut short on March 21. According to her parents, Summer and Mark Bushman, Autumn tragically took her own life after experiencing relentless bullying at school—bullying that they say escalated after she began standing up for classmates who were being targeted themselves.
Described as a child with a fierce sense of justice and a gentle heart, Autumn was the kind of person who didn’t just notice when others were hurting—she did something about it. But that bravery came at a cost. Her family believes that by defending her peers, Autumn became a new target for cruelty herself.
Over the weeks and months leading up to her death, Autumn’s parents began noticing subtle but concerning changes. The once-bubbly and energetic girl who loved dancing, cheering, and archery began withdrawing from the activities she once enjoyed. Her wardrobe shifted to darker colors, her mood became more somber, and the spark that lit up her smile seemed to fade.
According to Summer and Mark, they reached out to school administrators multiple times, voicing their concerns about the emotional toll bullying was taking on their daughter. But they say the response from the school was insufficient—too little, too late. Autumn had even begun begging to stay home, overwhelmed by the anxiety of facing another day at school.
“She kept telling us it was getting worse,” her mother said. “We tried everything we could think of, but nothing changed. She was struggling, and she needed more help than we were able to give her.”
Autumn’s passing has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an outpouring of grief, support, and a renewed conversation around the urgency of mental health resources in schools. A growing number of parents and educators are now calling for stronger anti-bullying policies, improved mental health intervention, and more accountability from school systems when children report being harassed or excluded.
In the wake of their unimaginable loss, Summer and Mark Bushman are turning their pain into purpose. The couple has begun speaking publicly about Autumn’s story, determined to raise awareness about the real and lasting impact of bullying.
They describe their daughter as a kind-hearted, brave, and empathetic soul—the kind of child who always put others before herself. Whether it was comforting a friend who was left out or standing up for someone who was being picked on, Autumn never hesitated to act with compassion.
“She was sunshine,” her father said. “Even when she was hurting, she still tried to protect others. That’s just who she was.”
The school district has since launched an internal investigation into the allegations and circumstances surrounding Autumn’s death. While officials say they are taking the matter seriously, for the Bushman family, any action now comes far too late to save their daughter.
Still, they hope that by sharing her story, they can help prevent similar tragedies. They want parents, teachers, and school leaders everywhere to listen more closely—to pay attention to the warning signs and take every child’s emotional struggles seriously.
“We can’t get Autumn back,” Summer said through tears. “But maybe her story can save someone else’s child.”
