Gavyn Cunningham dies in fatal East Feliciana Parish suicide

Gavyn Cunningham dies in fatal East Feliciana Parish suicide

Fatal East Feliciana Parish suicide death of Gavyn Cunningham – Obituary

Gavyn Cunningham, a 14-year-old student at East Feliciana Middle School, took his own life just a week before Christmas, prompting a criminal investigation by local authorities. The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office said it opened the probe after receiving a Crime Stoppers tip suggesting that Gavyn had been subjected to bullying in the days leading up to his death.

Sheriff Jeff Travis noted that it is unusual for his office to investigate a suicide, but the circumstances in this case warranted further scrutiny. According to investigators, Gavyn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Classmates described Gavyn as a kind-hearted student who was often the target of harassment. One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Gavyn would sometimes cry on the bus due to the bullying and that the behavior included derogatory comments calling him “sped” and autistic. “Somebody did tell him he’d be better off dead,” the classmate said.

The student cooperating with detectives emphasized that Gavyn had reached out to school officials about the mistreatment but felt dismissed. The sheriff’s office is now working with the East Feliciana Parish School System to determine whether the bullying contributed directly to Gavyn’s decision to end his life. Investigators plan to interview school staff and students as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Under Louisiana law, certain forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, carry potential penalties of up to $500 and six months in jail. Officials from the school system have not yet provided a statement regarding the investigation.