After 14-Year-Old's Death, Anonymous Tip Claims There's More to the Story. Now Sheriff Is Investigating at School

After 14-Year-Old's Death, Anonymous Tip Claims There's More to the Story. Now Sheriff Is Investigating at School https://ift.tt/DM2Z5eI

"It's under investigation to try to determine if we, at all possible, can figure out what Gavyn Cunningham was thinking"

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Gavyn Cunningham

NEED TO KNOW

• Gavyn Cunningham died by suicide last month in Louisiana
• Days later, the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office received a tip alleging he had been bullied before killing himself, according to Sheriff Jeff Travis
• The tip prompted the sheriff's office to launch a probe

Authorities in Louisiana are investigating whether a 14-year-old boy was being bullied before his death by suicide last month.

Gavyn Cunningam shot himself with a pistol on Dec. 16, according to John Rouchon, death investigator for the coroner's office in East Feliciana Parish.

Gavyn died two days later, Rouchon tells PEOPLE.

East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis says his office received an anonymous tip days after that from an individual who alleged Gavyn was being bullied at school and that it may have been the reason he killed himself. 

Travis declined to comment about the specifics of what the tipster said, citing the ongoing probe, but tells PEOPLE: "It's under investigation to try to determine if we, at all possible, can figure out what Gavyn Cunningham was thinking and what was the reason he took his life."

One of Gavyn's classmates at East Feliciana Middle School spoke to WAFB, a CBS affiliate, and alleged the teen had endured relentless harassment before his death — including being told that "he'd be better off dead."

The student also claimed that he had witnessed Gavyn being bullied.

“When he was on the bus," the classmate told WAFB, "he would start crying because of it."

According to the outlet, the classmate asked to remain anonymous out of concerns he would be bullied should his identity be disclosed. The other boy also alleged that Gavyn had informed adults at the school about the bullying but was not believed and nothing was done.

Gavyn was remembered by the classmate as a "very nice kid" with "a sweet soul."

The school district did not return requests for comment from PEOPLE about the allegations.

The sheriff's office is speaking to school officials, possible friends of Gavyn's and students as part of its probe, Travis says.

As of Tuesday, Jan. 6, authorities had not yet spoken to the classmate who was interviewed by WAFB, according to the sheriff — but they hoped to do so.

Travis, who has been the sheriff for 10 years, says it is unusual for a child in his jurisdiction to die by suicide.

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Louisiana law prohibits certain types of bullying, such as cyberstalking. If a person is convicted of such crimes, they could face a sentence of up to six months in prison, a fine up to $500, or both.

"If criminal conduct is uncovered, we will make an arrest and we will charge appropriately," Travis says. 

Gavyn's father, Mickey Cunningham, did not respond to interview requests; nor did Cunningham's sister, Tiffany Branstetter, who launched a GoFundMe to help with the teen's funeral costs.

"Mickey is struggling to keep up with household bills while trying to honor his son's memory and give him a proper farewell," Branstetter wrote in the fundraiser. "The financial burden is heavy, and the emotional toll is even greater."

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.