Authorities in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, are investigating whether 14‑year‑old Gavyn Cunningham was bullied before he died by suicide after receiving an anonymous tip. Gavyn shot himself on Dec. 16 and died two days later, authorities say. A classmate told a local TV station the teen endured repeated harassment, including being told he "would be better off dead," and that reports to school staff did not lead to effective action. The sheriff's office is interviewing school officials, students and friends as part of the probe.
Sheriff Probes Possible School Bullying After 14‑Year‑Old’s Suicide
GoFundMeGavyn Cunningham
Authorities in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, are investigating whether bullying played a role in the death of 14‑year‑old Gavyn Cunningham after an anonymous tip prompted a probe into the circumstances surrounding his suicide.
Investigation Under Way
John Rouchon, a death investigator with the East Feliciana Parish coroner's office, said Gavyn shot himself with a pistol on Dec. 16 and died two days later. East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis says his office received an anonymous tip several days after Gavyn's death alleging the teen had been harassed at school and that the bullying may have contributed to his decision to take his life.
The sheriff declined to discuss the tip's specifics because the inquiry is active, but said investigators are trying to "figure out what Gavyn Cunningham was thinking and what was the reason he took his life." The sheriff's office is speaking with school officials, students, friends and others as part of the probe.
Classmate's Account
“When he was on the bus, he would start crying because of it,”
A classmate who spoke to WAFB, the local CBS affiliate, said Gavyn endured repeated harassment and that other students told him he "would be better off dead." The classmate — who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation — said he had seen the bullying and that Gavyn had told adults at East Feliciana Middle School without seeing effective action taken.
Official Responses And Next Steps
The school district did not respond to requests for comment. As of Jan. 6, the sheriff's office had not yet interviewed the classmate who spoke to WAFB, but Travis said they hoped to do so. Travis also noted that suicide is uncommon among children in his jurisdiction.
Louisiana law criminalizes certain bullying behaviors, including cyberstalking; convictions can carry penalties of up to six months in jail, fines up to $500, or both. "If criminal conduct is uncovered, we will make an arrest and we will charge appropriately," Travis said.
Family And Community Impact
Gavyn's father, Mickey Cunningham, did not respond to interview requests. A relative, Tiffany Branstetter, launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses, saying the family faces heavy financial and emotional burdens as they try to honor Gavyn's memory.
If you have information relevant to the investigation, authorities ask that you cooperate with the sheriff's office. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.
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