HomeUSA NewsTragic loss: Actress Clare McCann mourns son

Tragic loss: Actress Clare McCann mourns son

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.

Suicideย 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 heartbreakingย Instagram post, Clare opened up about the unimaginable pain her family now faces and made a desperate plea โ€” not only to honor Atreyuโ€™s memory but to fight for lasting change.

Months of brutal bullying

โ€œAs my worst nightmare has come to life my childโ€™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,โ€ Clare wrote. She described Atreyu as โ€œthe brightest light in my world โ€” kind, creative, and endlessly loved,โ€ adding, โ€œRight now we are grieving a loss that words canโ€™t hold.โ€

The loss of her only child has pushed Clare to launch aย GoFundMe campaignย aiming to raise $195,290 USD ($300,000 AUD) to cryogenically preserve Atreyuโ€™s body within seven days of his passing.

The campaign also seeks funds for medical and legal costs and to establish a trust in Atreyuโ€™s name. So far, only a small fraction of the goal has been reached.

GoFundMe

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. โ€œMy 13-year-old son tragically took his own life after months of brutal bullying at a NSW public school,โ€ she wrote on the fundraiser page.

She blasted the school system, saying, โ€œThis 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.โ€

Atreyu had just started Year 7 in early February, at South Sydney High School.

Within two days, Clareย saysย 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. โ€œWhen he told me, I was mortified that the school hadnโ€™t called me,โ€ Clare said. She immediately demanded a meeting with school officials.

Physical attacks

The bullying went beyond physical attacks โ€” Atreyu was humiliated when bullies drew on his body and tormented by constant harassing phone calls. Clare recounted, โ€œThey just destroyed him. And in a moment of immense pain, he just did something, because I think he just didnโ€™t know what else to do.โ€

In early April, after Atreyu told her, โ€œIf he had to go to school, heโ€™d kill himself,โ€ Clare pulled him out. Away from his tormentors and with professional help, she believed he was starting to heal. โ€œI just wish I knew what he was thinking,โ€ she said.

Despite numerous warnings to the school โ€” at least 10 times between February and April โ€” and notifications to the Department of Education and Childrenโ€™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.

GoFundMe

Though Atreyu didnโ€™t leave a note, Clare shared that they often spoke about the afterlife. โ€œWeโ€™d talk about the future, about heaven, how weโ€™d like to come back and do things together. Those were his wishes and dreams, and I canโ€™t fail him now,โ€ she said. Clare hopes cryopreserving Atreyuโ€™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. โ€œThis is about hope and justice. Refusing to let my sonโ€™s story end in silence,โ€ she said.

Officials have expressed condolences and offered support. NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car called Atreyuโ€™s death โ€œa heartbreaking tragedyโ€ 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 โ€œDeadly Womenโ€ and films โ€œBlack Truckโ€ and โ€œBenefited,โ€ showed great promise beyond his years.

Clare, known for her role as Cherry on Channel [V]โ€™s โ€œBlog Partyโ€ and as a filmmaker behind projects like the award-winning โ€œBenefited,โ€ 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.

Clare McCann / Instagram

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 โ€œhelpโ€ to 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Youโ€™re not alone.

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