Clare McCann, a well-known Australian actress and journalist, has recently opened up about the heartbreaking and tragic circumstances surrounding the sudden death of her 13-year-old son.
Suicide is a deeply tragic reality that can touch anyone, regardless of age, background, or social standing. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those silently struggling.
One of the many affected by this heartbreaking reality is Australian actress and filmmaker Clare McCann.
In a deeply emotional announcement, she revealed the tragic loss of her 13-year-old son, Atreyu, who took his own life after enduring months of relentless bullying at school. Through a heartbreaking Instagram post, Clare opened up about the unimaginable pain her family now faces and made a desperate plea — not only to honor Atreyu’s memory but to fight for lasting change.
Months of brutal bullying
“As my worst nightmare has come to life my child’s has been stolen. It breaks my heart beyond what words can compare to share that in a moment of unbearable pain Atreyu took his own life,” Clare wrote. She described Atreyu as “the brightest light in my world — kind, creative, and endlessly loved,” adding, “Right now we are grieving a loss that words can’t hold.”
The loss of her only child has pushed Clare to launch a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $195,290 USD ($300,000 AUD) to cryogenically preserve Atreyu’s body within seven days of his passing.
The campaign also seeks funds for medical and legal costs and to establish a trust in Atreyu’s name. So far, only a small fraction of the goal has been reached.
Clare explained that if they raise more than the target amount, the extra funds will go toward anti-bullying reforms, legal action, and supporting other families who face similar tragedies. “My 13-year-old son tragically took his own life after months of brutal bullying at a NSW public school,” she wrote on the fundraiser page.
She blasted the school system, saying, “This was not his fault. He was let down by the schooling system as he suffered horrendous amounts of bullying. Now I humbly beg of you to help me preserve his life and help me fight against this inhumane landslide of child suicides caused by unchecked bullying by schools and teachers.”
Atreyu had just started Year 7 in early February, at South Sydney High School.
Within two days, Clare says he was already in tears, begging her to stop the bullies. He endured severe abuse, including an incident where classmates allegedly tried to drown him during a school camp. “When he told me, I was mortified that the school hadn’t called me,” Clare said. She immediately demanded a meeting with school officials.
Physical attacks
The bullying went beyond physical attacks — Atreyu was humiliated when bullies drew on his body and tormented by constant harassing phone calls. Clare recounted, “They just destroyed him. And in a moment of immense pain, he just did something, because I think he just didn’t know what else to do.”
In early April, after Atreyu told her, “If he had to go to school, he’d kill himself,” Clare pulled him out. Away from his tormentors and with professional help, she believed he was starting to heal. “I just wish I knew what he was thinking,” she said.
Despite numerous warnings to the school — at least 10 times between February and April — and notifications to the Department of Education and Children’s Services, Clare says no effective action was taken.
She holds medical records, psychologist reports, a formal PTSD diagnosis, and emails as proof of her repeated appeals for help.
Though Atreyu didn’t leave a note, Clare shared that they often spoke about the afterlife. “We’d talk about the future, about heaven, how we’d like to come back and do things together. Those were his wishes and dreams, and I can’t fail him now,” she said. Clare hopes cryopreserving Atreyu’s body could someday reunite them.
A public figure with a national platform, Clare is committed to using her voice to demand justice and prevent other families from enduring similar pain. “This is about hope and justice. Refusing to let my son’s story end in silence,” she said.
Officials have expressed condolences and offered support. NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car called Atreyu’s death “a heartbreaking tragedy” and extended sympathy to the family, emphasizing that no parent should face such loss. NSW Deputy Secretary of Public Schools Deborah Summerhayes also acknowledged the impact and said the Department of Education is providing counseling and wellbeing services to the affected school community.
Rising talent
Atreyu, who had already begun acting in projects like “Deadly Women” and films “Black Truck” and “Benefited,” showed great promise beyond his years.
Clare, known for her role as Cherry on Channel [V]’s “Blog Party” and as a filmmaker behind projects like the award-winning “Benefited,” is now channeling her grief into a powerful mission for change.
Her message is clear: no child should suffer alone, and no family should endure the heartbreak of a loss that might have been prevented.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You’re not alone.