However, that spark started to wane in the weeks preceding the disaster.
The couple told WDBJ that they saw their daughter started to sleep more, smile less, and dress darker than usual.
They also claim that despite having complained to the school about bullying, the harassment persisted.
Autumn’s mother clarified that the reason her daughter was being harassed was because she defended other children.
She was one who would defend others who were being harassed or harassed. And regrettably, that might have led to her becoming the focus of additional bullying,” Summer Bushman stated.
The Bushmans claim that after reporting the bullying to school administrators, they received assurances that the matter was being addressed. Their daughter, however, had a different account.
“However, from what we understand, our daughter told us that it continued to occur,” her father, Mark, stated.
