An 11-year-old boy killed himself after a social media prank allegedly led to him believe that his girlfriend had taken her own life.
According to mum Katrina Goss, her son, Tysen Benz, took his life in response to hearing that his 13-year-old girlfriend had died, after she and her friends played a cruel trick on him.
Tysen's mum Katrina, from Michigan, told the New York Post: "She did a prank that made it look like she killed herself and used other friends and their accounts to make it look like she killed herself.
"So, he believed her and said 'I'm going to kill myself'."
Katrina found him on March 14, and he was rushed to hospital for treatment, but sadly died on April 4.
His mother says that she didn't know he had a phone, which she believes he bought from one of his friends, and that she was unaware of his relationship with the girl.
She now says that the girl, who can't be named for legal reasons, should be held responsible and face the legal consequences of her actions.
Tysen and his mum Katrina. Credit: Facebook/Katrina Goss
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She said: "I'm quite angry. I feel like, yeah, they're young and all that, but I feel like when you're 13, you're completely knowledgeable of your choices and you know right from wrong.
"I do feel like she took advantage of a younger boy to control and manipulate him.
"I don't feel like it should be taken lightly. She should be held legally responsible for this horrific prank."
Police said they are investigating and that any criminal charges will be forwarded to the prosecutor's office.
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She added: "He was probably the most amazing kid that you would ever know.
"He was in every sport, he was super social, he had tons of friends and every single person who knew him loved him. He was the last person who would choose this choice, which I think was an impulsive choice."
A gofundme page has been set up to help pay for Tysen's medical bills, in which he is remembered as a 'student, athlete, comedian, friend, brother, charismatic and all around amazing child'.
Katrina is now urging other families to be vigilant. On the page she wrote: "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 & fighting against social media bullying."
If you feel like you have nowhere to turn, please remember that there are people out there who will listen to you, give you advice and support you when you need it. This includes The CALMzone who offer amazing support to anyone.
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The helpline and web chat service are open 5pm to midnight, every day of the year. Nationwide: 0800 58 58 58; London: 0808 802 58; Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/get-help
You can contact the Samaritans on a Freephone number - 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Katrina Goss