Clare McCann, a respected Australian actress and journalist, has recently come forward with an incredibly painful and deeply personal story—the tragic loss of her 13-year-old son, Atreyu. The heartbreaking reality of suicide has touched her family in a devastating way, bringing attention to the silent suffering many children endure and the urgent need for change.
Suicide does not discriminate. It crosses all lines—age, status, background—and leaves devastation in its wake. Clare McCann’s story is a somber reminder of just how critical it is to extend compassion, raise awareness, and fight for those who may feel voiceless. Her son, Atreyu, ended his life after enduring months of intense bullying at school, and now Clare is using her platform to speak out—not only to honor her son’s memory but to demand action.
In a moving and emotional Instagram post, Clare shared the unthinkable pain her family now carries. “As my worst nightmare has come to life, my child’s has been stolen,” she wrote. “It breaks my heart beyond what words can compare to share that in a moment of unbearable pain, Atreyu took his own life.” She described her son as “the brightest light in my world—kind, creative, and endlessly loved.” Her words echo the deep grief and shock that has shaken her world.
In response to this tragedy, Clare has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise \$195,290 USD (equivalent to \$300,000 AUD). The goal is to cryogenically preserve Atreyu’s body within seven days of his death. The funds will also help cover medical and legal costs, and establish a trust in Atreyu’s name. As of now, only a small portion of the goal has been reached, but Clare remains determined. She explained that any funds raised beyond the goal would be used to pursue anti-bullying reforms, legal action, and to support other families enduring similar heartbreak.
Clare has been vocal in her criticism of the school system, stating clearly, “This was not his fault. He was let down by the schooling system as he suffered horrendous amounts of bullying.” On the fundraiser page, she wrote, “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 begun Year 7 at South Sydney High School in early February. Within two days, Clare said, he came home in tears, already pleading for the bullying to stop. The abuse was relentless. One of the most horrifying incidents involved classmates allegedly trying to drown him during a school camp. Clare was horrified that she hadn’t even been notified by the school. She immediately demanded a meeting with the staff, hoping for action.
The bullying Atreyu faced went beyond physical harm. Clare recounted incidents where bullies drew on his body, made harassing phone calls, and humiliated him in ways no child should experience. “They just destroyed him,” she said. “And in a moment of immense pain, he just did something, because I think he just didn’t know what else to do.”
By early April, Atreyu told his mother that if he had to keep going to school, he’d rather die. Clare made the decision to pull him out of school immediately. She arranged for professional help and believed he was beginning to recover. “I just wish I knew what he was thinking,” she said, reflecting on the unimaginable weight of his suffering.
Throughout this ordeal, Clare had raised concerns with the school more than ten times between February and April. She also contacted the Department of Education and Children’s Services, but says her calls for help went unanswered. She holds a detailed record of medical files, psychologist evaluations, a formal PTSD diagnosis, and email correspondences—all documenting her efforts to protect her son.
Atreyu didn’t leave behind a note, but Clare shared that they often had deep conversations about life, the future, and the afterlife. “We’d talk about heaven, about coming back someday and doing things together,” she said. “Those were his dreams, and I can’t fail him now.” Through cryopreservation, Clare hopes there might be a chance—no matter how slim—to one day reunite with her son.
Now, Clare is using her voice and her public platform to fight for justice and protect other families from experiencing the same loss. She emphasized, “This is about hope and justice. Refusing to let my son’s story end in silence.” Her advocacy extends beyond grief—it’s a mission to transform a personal tragedy into meaningful reform.
New South Wales officials have expressed their condolences. Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car called Atreyu’s passing “a heartbreaking tragedy” and extended sympathies to Clare and her family. She added that no parent should ever have to face such devastation. Deborah Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary of Public Schools, also addressed the situation, assuring that counseling and wellbeing services are being provided to students and families affected by the loss.
Atreyu was a rising talent in his own right. He had already appeared in television and film projects such as “Deadly Women,” “Black Truck,” and “Benefited.” His future held immense potential. His mother, Clare, is best known for her work as Cherry on Channel \[V]’s “Blog Party,” and as the filmmaker behind “Benefited,” which earned critical acclaim. Now, she is channeling her grief into a new purpose—fighting for change, accountability, and awareness.
Clare’s message is as clear as it is powerful: no child should suffer alone, and no family should be shattered by a preventable loss. Her courage in sharing Atreyu’s story is a call to action—one that demands we do better as individuals, as institutions, and as a society.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that 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 are not alone.
