At a Glance
- Aubreigh Wyatt, a 13-year-old from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, died by suicide on Sept. 4, 2023.
- Her mother, Heather Wyatt, has campaigned against bullying, claiming relentless harassment led to her daughter’s death.
- Heather’s advocacy included lawsuits, social-media campaigns, and a tribute on the season 24 premiere of American Idol.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the impact of bullying and the legal and social responses it can trigger.
Aubreigh Wyatt’s death shocked her community and sparked a broader conversation about bullying and mental health.
Early Life and Death
Aubreigh Wyatt was an eighth-grade student in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She was a straight-A student, loved gymnastics, riding four-wheelers, and making TikTok videos. She also enjoyed the beach and was known for her outgoing, bubbly personality. On Sept. 4, 2023, she died by suicide.
Her obituary described her as “an amazing daughter, sister, and friend.” Aubreigh was survived by her sister, brother, and grandfather.
Mother’s Advocacy
Heather Wyatt has become a prominent advocate against bullying. She claims that at least four girls harassed her daughter and that the bullying contributed to Aubreigh’s death. Although Heather never named the girls publicly, internet sleuths identified them, and their names were shared online.
Heather used social media to share Aubreigh’s story and to call for mental-health resources. In a July 11, 2024 update on their GoFundMe page, she urged donations to local therapists and counselors and encouraged people to check in with crisis centers.
The hashtag #LLAW (Live Like Aubreigh Wyatt) trended after Aubreigh’s death.
Legal Battles
Defamation Lawsuit
After the names of the alleged bullies were posted online, the parents of the four girls filed a defamation lawsuit against Heather. The complaint alleged that Heather’s posts caused the children to receive insulting and revolting messages.
On July 2, 2024, a judge ordered Heather to shut down all of her social-media accounts. Many users protested, claiming the ruling violated her freedom of speech.
On July 16, 2024, the parents dropped the lawsuit. The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be re-filed in the future. The judge also lifted the social-media ban, and Heather’s TikTok profile returned online.
Wrongful-Death Lawsuit
In February 2025, Heather filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Ocean Springs School District, the superintendent, and the school board. She alleges negligence and violations of state and federal laws protecting children from bullying.
Heather posted the lawsuit news on Facebook, declaring, “I will continue this fight for Aubreigh. I. Will. Not. Stop. My daughter’s death will NOT be in vain.”
The district’s spokesperson, Trey Brennan, issued a statement: “Ocean Springs School District continues to extend its deepest condolences to the Wyatt family as they mourn the loss of Aubreigh Wyatt.” He added that the district follows rigorous procedures for reports of bullying.
American Idol Tribute
On January 26, 2024, Heather appeared on the season 24 premiere of American Idol. She introduced 15-year-old singer-songwriter Khloe Grace, who had written a song in honor of Aubreigh.
Heather explained to judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan that she was not a contestant but wanted to honor her daughter. Grace performed her original song, “13 Forever.”
Grace said, “Something kept telling me to write that song, so I did. I’ve never met her. I couldn’t get the story out of my mind.” She added that writing the song might help others.
The judges were moved; Underwood praised Grace’s maturity and the positive impact of her work.
Key Takeaways
| Issue | Outcome | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bullying claim | No evidence found that the four girls caused Aubreigh’s death | Highlights complexity of proving bullying’s direct role |
| Defamation lawsuit | Dropped and dismissed without prejudice | Shows potential for future legal action |
| Wrongful-death suit | Filed against school district | Brings attention to school policies on bullying |
| Public tribute | American Idol performance | Raises awareness and honors Aubreigh’s memory |
Heather Wyatt’s journey illustrates the profound effects of bullying and the varied avenues parents may pursue to seek justice and prevention. Her advocacy continues to resonate, encouraging communities to address bullying, support mental health, and remember the lives lost to these issues.
