Introduction to the Tragedy
If you’ve come across the hashtag #LLAW on your social media feeds, you may have heard about the heartbreaking story of Aubreigh Wyatt. The 13-year-old from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tragically ended her own life on September 4, 2023. Since then, her story has spread widely, capturing the attention of many.
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The Emergence of #LLAW and Heather Wyatt’s Advocacy
Following Aubreigh Wyatt death, her mother, Heather Wyatt, began to share her profound grief and her daughter’s story on social media, particularly on TikTok. Heather’s heartfelt posts quickly gained traction, and Aubreigh Wyatt name, along with her photographs, began to circulate widely. This led to the creation of the hashtag #LLAW, which stands for “Live Like Aubreigh Wyatt.” The hashtag symbolizes a call to honor Aubreigh Wyatt memory and advocate for change.
Allegations of Bullying and Legal Repercussions
Heather Wyatt has publicly stated that her daughter’s death was a result of relentless bullying. According to Heather, Aubreigh Wyatt was subjected to harassment by at least four girls who were her classmates during her 8th-grade year. Heather has been vocal about her belief that this bullying was a direct factor in Aubreigh Wyatt tragic decision to take her own life. She has called for those responsible to be held accountable for their actions.
Although Heather did not disclose the identities of the alleged bullies, internet users managed to uncover their names. These names were widely shared online, and purported text messages between Heather and Aubreigh Wyatt, which detailed the alleged bullying, were also circulated.
In response to the situation, the parents of the four teens implicated in the bullying filed a lawsuit against Heather Wyatt. They alleged that Heather’s social media posts constituted defamation and slander. The Washington Post reported that after the lawsuit was filed on July 2, a judge ordered Heather to shut down all of her social media accounts. This decision sparked significant outrage among many social media users, who felt that it infringed upon Heather’s freedom of speech. Prominent TikTok users and other supporters rallied to Heather’s defense, expressing their support through various messages.
Community Reaction and Support
One of Heather Wyatt’s notable supporters is Ophelia Nichols, who is known as Mama Tot on TikTok. Nichols shared a message of support for Heather that has garnered over 11 million views. In her TikTok post, Nichols expressed solidarity with Heather, stating, “Since Aubreigh Wyatt mama can’t speak for her (court-ordered), I suppose we will.” Nichols encouraged others to use their voices in support, saying, “When their voice is silenced, use yours.”
According to Newsweek, the lawsuit against Heather Wyatt included a complaint that reads in part: “As a direct and proximate cause of the false, defamatory, and slanderous social media posts of the defendant, Heather Wyatt, the plaintiffs’ minor children have been receiving insulting and revolting messages from around the world attacking them, calling them vulgar names, and sexualizing them. These young ladies WERE IN THE 8TH GRADE!!”
Legal Developments and the Future
On July 16, the lawsuit was dropped, as reported by Vicksburg News and reviewed by PEOPLE. The case was “dismissed without prejudice,” which means that the parents have the option to refile the lawsuit in the future if they choose.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether the judge will lift the social media ban imposed on Heather. Her social media profiles, which once attracted millions of views and shares globally, are still offline.
Fundraising Efforts and Advocacy for Mental Health
Amidst the legal challenges, the Wyatt family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal expenses. In the campaign, Heather Wyatt described her daughter as “vibrant, kind, and exceptionally bright.” The fundraiser has raised over $110,000 to date.
Aubreigh’s obituary reflects her passions and interests, including her love for the beach, gymnastics, riding four-wheelers, and making TikToks. She is survived by her mother, sister, brother, and grandfather. In a recent update on the GoFundMe page, Heather has used her platform to advocate for mental health care. She has urged people to support local therapists and counselors and to check in with local crisis centers to offer help to those in need.
School District’s Statement
Trey Brennan, spokesperson for the Ocean Springs School District, provided the following statement:
“Ocean Springs School District extends its deepest condolences to the Wyatt family as they mourn the loss of Aubreigh Wyatt. We offer resources through both district and external channels, including counseling services, to support our community during such difficult times. Our staff receives assistance to manage their workload and schedule during periods of grief.
While we cannot discuss specific student matters, the district adheres to rigorous procedures for addressing reports of inappropriate behavior, harassment, or bullying. We conduct thorough investigations and, if evidence supports the allegations, appropriate consequences are determined in accordance with district policies. We maintain transparency with parents and students and keep detailed records. Anonymous bullying reports can be submitted online or in person.
Despite misinformation circulating on social media, our administrators remain committed to addressing all reported incidents with integrity and dedication to student well-being. We encourage students and parents to report any instances of bullying or harassment directly to school administration.
OSSD is dedicated to providing a healthy learning environment through the efforts of our educators and strong community partnerships.”
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org for support and assistance.
