Authorities in Louisiana are investigating whether a 14-year-old student faced bullying before his death by suicide last month.
Gavyn Cunningham died after shooting himself with a pistol on Dec. 16, according to John Rouchon, a death investigator with the coroner’s office in East Feliciana Parish. Gavyn died two days later, Rouchon said.
East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis said his office received an anonymous tip several days after the incident. The tipster alleged Gavyn had been bullied at school and that it may have contributed to why he took his life.
Travis declined to share details from the tip, citing the active investigation, but said detectives are working to understand what led up to the tragedy. “It’s under investigation to try to determine if we, at all possible, can figure out what Gavyn Cunningham was thinking and what was the reason he took his life,” Travis said.
A classmate at East Feliciana Middle School also spoke with WAFB, a CBS affiliate, alleging the teen endured repeated harassment before his death — including being told he “would be better off dead.” The student said he had personally witnessed Gavyn being bullied.
“When he was on the bus,” the classmate told WAFB, “he would start crying because of it.”
According to the station, the classmate requested anonymity out of fear he would be targeted if identified. He also alleged Gavyn had reported the bullying to adults at the school but was not believed and no action was taken.
The classmate described Gavyn as “a very nice kid” with “a sweet soul.”
A spokesperson for East Feliciana Public Schools said the district is deeply saddened by Gavyn’s death and is cooperating with the law enforcement 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.”
Sheriff Travis said investigators are interviewing school officials, potential friends, and students as part of the probe. As of Tuesday, Jan. 6, he said authorities had not yet spoken with the classmate interviewed by WAFB but hoped to do so.
Travis, who has served as sheriff for 10 years, noted that it is uncommon for a child in his jurisdiction to die by suicide.
Louisiana law prohibits certain forms of bullying-related conduct, including cyberstalking. Convictions can carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
“If criminal conduct is uncovered, we will make an arrest and we will charge appropriately,” Travis said.
Gavyn’s father, Mickey Cunningham, did not respond to requests for an interview. His sister, Tiffany Branstetter, launched a GoFundMe to help cover 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,” Branstetter wrote in the fundraiser. “The financial burden is heavy, and the emotional toll is even greater.”
