TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.
Just days before Christmas, a Louisiana community suffered a terrible tragedy. East Feliciana Middle School student Gavyn Cunningham died by suicide at just 14 years old. The teenager reportedly shot himself with a pistol and spent several days in intensive care before his death. Gavyn’s suicide came as a shock to his family, but some in his school community were not as surprised. In the weeks following his death, an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers revealed that kids at school had allegedly bullied Gavyn relentlessly. Some believe that led to his devastating suicide.
WAFB reported that the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office received a tip about potential bullying, prompting a criminal investigation. Sheriff Jeff Travis told the outlet that an investigation is atypical in a suicide, but Gavyn’s case is different.
A student who asked to remain anonymous shared sweet memories of Gavyn with the outlet. “He was a very nice kid. He had a sweet soul. And he was always getting bullied at school,” the student said.
Gavyn reportedly cried on the bus because of the way other kids treated him. The student, who spoke with WAFB with their parents’ consent, witnessed terrible things.
“Somebody did tell him he’d be better off dead,” the student recalled. Sadly, the student said Gavyn went to the school for help, but staff allegedly dismissed his claims. “They didn’t believe him. They said he was always lying,” the student explained.
Per Louisiana law, a student convicted of bullying another student could face a fine and jail time.
A representative for East Feliciana Public Schools told People the school district would not comment on Gavyn’s case but is cooperating with the investigation.
“In the meantime, the School Board will follow policy and continue to support the well-being of our students,” spokesperson Jonathan Loveall said. “The health and safety of our students remain the School Board’s highest priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
Tiffany Branstetter, Gavyn’s aunt, created a GoFundMe account to help her brother, Mickey Cunningham, with final expenses.
“As our family prepares for Gavyn’s burial, we are also confronted with the reality that there is no life insurance to help with funeral costs. Mickey is struggling to keep up with household bills while trying to honor his son’s memory and give him a proper farewell,” she wrote on the page. “The financial burden is heavy, and the emotional toll is even greater.”
Bullying is an epidemic, and kids have no idea how harmful words can be. It’s a true heartbreak if Gavyn died by suicide because he thought no one believed him. May this be a lesson to all that kindness is key.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
