Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
You’ve been scrolling on TikTok or Twitter, and suddenly videos with the hashtag #LLAW spring onto your fyp or social media feeds. You got curious, who is this young girl and what happened to Aubreigh Wyatt? Her tragic loss has been rising on social media platforms, and Aubreigh’s mother is determined to not let her story be forgotten.
Table of contents
TL;DR
- Aubreigh Wyatt was a 13-year old 8th grader from Ocean Springs, Mississipi. She went to Ocean Springs Middle School.
- She tragically took her own life following years of alleged bullying.
- Aubreigh’s mother, Heather Wyatt, is advocating for mental health awareness on TikTok with the viral hashtag #LLAW.
- Heather was fighting a lawsuit from the parents of the four alleged bullies- who had their identities doxxed online.
The story of Aubreigh Wyatt
Who is Aubreigh Wyatt?
Aubreigh Paige Wyatt was born in Mississipi, on March 17th, 2010. She was an outgoing 13-year old 8th grader from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She went to Ocean Springs Middle School for her education, and was a straight A student.
What is the story of Aubreigh Wyatt?
Aubreigh became known after she tragically took her own life on September 4th, 2023. There are some questionable circumstances surrounding her passing, and Aubreigh’s death left a deep mark in her family and community. Sadly, it is allegedly relentless bullying that caused her to take this extreme path.
Please contact your local crisis centers or a crisis lifeline for help with mental health struggles.
Cause of Death
Heather Wyatt’s Online Advocacy on TikTok
@calallenchoir She’s so brave 🕊️ #livelikeaubreigh #heather #LLAW #forever #awareness #fypシ゚viral #blowthisup #trending #aubreighwyatt💜🕊️ #fypage #13 #xybca ♬ Peaceful Sincerity – Pemancing Biru
Aubreigh’s mother, Heather Wyatt, has shared her side of the story and her grief is undeniable. Her TikTok videos under the hashtag #LLAW (Live Like Aubreigh Wyatt) are a raw look into a mother’s despair over her daughter’s death. She shared that her daughter was allegedly consistently bullied in school.
@angel.x.semina Before you comment and ask why this was “somehow caught on video” she was in aubreighs room recording herself go through her belongings before packing them up. She didnt know that she would find that. #justiceforaubreighwyatt #livelikeaubreigh #aubreighwyatt #aubreighwyatt💜🕊️ ♬ sonido original – Tony🔥💧
The alleged bullying happened at Ocean Springs Middle School, and it allegedly involved four girls. The act was allegedly done online and offline since Aubreigh was in 5th grade.
An outpouring of support came in from people who relate to Aubreigh’s story. The hashtag #LLAW went viral, and the public started looking into this story. Well-wishers empathize with the young teenager’s tragic passing, as seen on her obituary page‘s messages of support.
“Although I didn’t know you and sadly won’t ever get to, It’s been 11 months since you left and I just want you to know you’re loved by millions. So many people are sharing your story to spread awareness and stop bullying.❤️ You’re a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart and I’m sorry you left us so early. #LLAW #forever13”
– EMMS
“Aubs you didn’t deserve any of it. Instead you deserved the world. I wish you were still here. I wish you were never bullied. But you’ve taught me no matter what you’re going through keep going until you can’t push through anymore. Tysm LLAW.”
– ANONYMOUS T
School and Local Authorities’ Response
Ocean Springs School District has released a statement, as publicized on People.
“Our middle and high school students (7th-12th grade) also participate in National Bullying Prevention Month, and have school counselors assigned to each grade level to meet with students and provide them with appropriate resources,” said Trey Brennan, the school district’s spokesman. Ocean Springs School District is going to launch anti-bullying initiative called “Hope Squad” for students in grade 7-12.
On one hand, Ocean Springs Police Department is investigating this case, and they will examine Aubreigh’s phone.
Legal Battles and Social Media Ban
Controversy and Legal Issues
Although Heather never publicly identified the alleged bullies, internet sleuths searched and found out the girls’ names. Their photos, full names, and alleged text messages were publicized on TikTok and other platforms. In this case, it really complicated the matter, since widely sharing the personal information online caused harassment to these individuals.
In a very emotionally charged turn of events, the families of the four girls filed a defamation lawsuit against Heather Wyatt in April 2024. This lawsuit led to the temporary shutdown of Heather’s social media accounts. The following is a quote of the complaint from Newsweek:
“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, sexualizing them. These young ladies WERE IN THE 8TH GRADE!!”
A resounding protest from the public about violation of free speech was all over social media in support of Heather. The Washington Post wrote that this is a case between Heather Wyatt’s free speech rights vs. the privacy of the four teenage girls.
Fundraising Efforts for the Wyatt Family
The Wyatt Family created a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the significant legal fees, raising over $110,000. The campaign described Aubreigh as “vibrant, kind, and exceptionally bright,” highlighting the impact she had on those around her.
Latest Update on Aubreigh Wyatt’s Case
Chancery Court Judge Mark Maples’ ruled that Heather’s social media accounts should be restored. Though her accounts are back, the judge also ordered a child welfare investigation for her two children (7 and 16 year old) and all four alleged bullies.
The defamation lawsuit had been dropped on July 16th, but this leaves potential for future legal action.
Following the ruling, Heather Wyatt also posted an update to her GoFundMe campaign. She stated that she is “beyond grateful for your outpouring of love”. In addition, she also increased the goal because many reached out wanting to continue donating after the previous goal amount was reached. She is also going to continue raising mental health awareness.
A Call for Change and Advocation
@allfortheseangels #duet with @bekindalwaysx #stopbullying #aubreighwyatt #foreveryoung #pinkforaubreigh #livelikeaubs #aubreighwyatt💜🕊️ #stopbullying🛑✋ #foryoupage ♬ original sound – 🪬
In summary, Aubreigh Wyatt’s story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact bullying can have on young lives. It highlights the need for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools, better support systems for teenagers struggling with mental health issues, and more open conversations about these critical topics.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
For more coverage on current news stories, please check out the “What happened to…” series.
