“She was the youngest and probably the wildest,” her mother, Summer Bushman, shared with WDBJ. “She was a bundle of energy. It didn’t matter if you thought she might fall through my living room floor; she was always doing cartwheels inside the house.” Unfortunately, that vibrant spirit began to fade in the weeks leading up to the tragedy. Autumn started to sleep more, smile less, and opted for darker clothing—changes her parents now interpret as potential indicators of distress. Her obituary highlighted her as a child with “deep empathy, a soft heart, and always ready to lend a listening ear or offer support.”
However, Autumn’s compassionate nature may have made her vulnerable. Her parents revealed that she endured persistent bullying, both at school and online, primarily because she defended others. “If someone was being bullied or picked on, she would stand up for them,” Summer explained. “Sadly, that may have made her a target for further bullying.” Although they reported the bullying incidents to the school, the Bushman family feels that insufficient action was taken to address the situation. Autumn’s father, Mark Bushman, also discussed the additional challenges children face in today’s digital landscape. “This is an era where they have tablets and phones, so it’s happening around the clock. They can’t really escape,” he remarked, highlighting the relentless nature of social media exposure.
In light of Autumn’s passing, Roanoke County Public Schools released a statement expressing their condolences and committing to a review of the circumstances.This is an unfortunate tragedy. While we are unable to disclose the details of this incident due to federal privacy regulations and in consideration of the family’s feelings, we are undertaking a comprehensive investigation. The district emphasized that all reports of bullying and student conflicts are treated with utmost seriousness.
“Our schools are committed to educating students and responding appropriately to specific incidents when we are informed, which includes collaborating with the parents and families of those involved.”
However, for Autumn’s grieving parents, mere words cannot replace what has been lost. Summer is encouraging other parents to stay alert, trust their instincts, and closely monitor any changes in their children’s moods and behaviors. “Check your child’s cell phone to ensure they are treating others kindly—and to confirm that other children are treating them with kindness as well,” she recommended.
The story of Autumn Bushman serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact bullying can have on a child, highlighting the necessity for families, schools, and communities to unite in recognizing the warning signs before it is too late. Our thoughts are with Autumn’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
