The parents of a girl who died by suicide at the age of ten have spoken out about the devastating changes they saw in her prior to her death.

Autumn Bushman, a fourth-grader at Mountain View Elementary School in Roanoke, had started exhibiting obvious symptoms of emotional distress in the weeks preceding the March 21 tragedy.

Her parents, Mark and Summer Bushman, claimed to have observed terrible behavioral changes in their daughter prior to her tragic passing.

According to her mother, Summer, “she was the youngest and probably the most free-spirited.” She exuded a lot of energy. She was constantly doing cartwheels inside the house, so it didn’t matter if it appeared as though she would crash through the living room floor.

However, that bright spark in her started to wane in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.

Their daughter began sleeping more than usual, smiling less, and wearing darker clothing—small but concerning changes that deeply concerned the couple, they told WDBJ.

They added that the harassment persisted even after they reported bullying to the school.

According to Autumn’s mother, her daughter was singled out because she stood up for other kids who were being bullied.

She was the type of child who would stand up for someone who was being teased or harassed. And regrettably, that could have increased her vulnerability,” Summer Bushman said.

According to the Bushmans, they were informed by school officials that the matter was being addressed. However, their daughter claims that nothing changed.

Her father, Mark, stated, “But based on what we know—at least what our daughter told us—it just kept happening.”

He went on to say that the bullying wasn’t limited to the school.

Since children of this age have phones and tablets, it occurs all the time. Really, there’s no way out,” he declared.

The school issued a statement stating that they are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding Autumn’s death, according to the Daily Mail.

“We are conducting a thorough review, but we are unable to comment on the specifics of this case due to federal privacy laws and out of respect for the family,” the statement said. “All reports of bullying and student conflict are taken very seriously at our schools.”

Friends, family, and the entire Roanoke community are in shock over the tragedy.

A close family friend, Cher Nelson Johnson, shared a heartfelt remembrance of Autumn along with a video montage of her brief life.

She wrote, “This is just heartbreaking.” This picture shows a kind, compassionate young woman who committed suicide today as a result of bullying. Too soon, a lovely Roanoke girl is gone.

“If at all possible, please remember Summer Bushman and her family as they mourn the tragic death of their 10-year-old daughter, Autumn Brooke Bushman.”

“Check in with the people you love.” Have a conversation with your kids about bullying. It must end.

Autumn’s family has extended an invitation to the public to attend her visitation and funeral services this weekend in order to pay tribute to her memory and spread awareness of the devastating effects bullying can have on young lives.