Heartbroken mum says her 11-year-old son committed suicide ‘after a horrific social media prank’
The mum of tragic Tysen Benz urged people to keep his spirit alive by "fighting against social media bullying"
A DEVASTATED mum has revealed her 11-year-old son committed suicide because of a "horrific" social media prank.
The grief stricken mother of Tysen Benz has warned about the dangers of the internet and texting after he died on Tuesday following an incident related to social media.
Heartbroken Katrina Goss urged people to keep her son's spirit alive by "fighting against social media bullying" but details of the prank have not been disclosed.
Tysen was left on a life support machine after attempting to take his own life on March 14 in Michigan, USA, and died from his injuries in hospital three weeks later.
A fundraising page set up to pay for the family's medical bills has already raised nearly £25,000.
His mother describes Tysen on the page as an "athlete, comedian, friend, brother, charismatic and all around amazing child".
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Ms Goss, from Marquette, wrote: "On Tuesday March 14th he (Tysen) impulsively chose to end his own life as a result of a horrific act of a social media prank which is under investigation by authorities.
"He clung on with the help of life support until Tuesday April 4.
"He has now been set free and can rest in peace.
"He was loved by everyone he knew and he will absolutely never be forgotten.
"Our family is completely heartbroken.
"I urge families to speak out, reach out and communicate with your children about life's precious gift and the dangers of the internet and texting and how telecommunications can have the same effects as speaking face to face.
"I want Tysen to be remembered as he was and all the joy he's brought to everyone.
"Keep his spirit alive by standing strong and fighting against social media bullying."
A tragic 14-year-old girl Nyah James was found dead in Swansea, Wales, after been bullied via Facebook and Snapchat according to her mum.
Do you need help? Contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or visit . PAPYRUS HOPELineUK also provides confidential suicide prevention advice and support to young people and others worried about them tel 0800 068 4141 text 07786 209 697 email [email protected].