Katrina Goss – mother of 11-year-old tysen benz – is speaking out about the unnecessary and tragic death of her son, who chose to take his own life after a cruel social media prank. Following his suicide attempt on March 14, Tysen passed away Tuesday after being removed from life support, three weeks after the incident, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Fake suicide threat on social media
Goss told CBS News that her son had been “pranked” and “manipulated” by the unnamed 13-year-old girl. The girl in question has not been identified as she is still a minor.
Goss says the girl told Tysen she was going to commit suicide and then used the social media accounts of friends to give fake proof that she did kill herself. The mother continued that Tysen even told the girl he was also planning on killing himself and that the teenager made no attempt to call anyone to try and stop him.
11-year-old Michigan boy commits suicide after gir... https://t.co/NIDTxuPoSx
— Maureen Oleary (@MaureenOleary10) April 8, 2017
Tysen’s mother warns parents of the dangers of social media
Goss is now warning other parents and their children of the potential dangers of using social media. She told parents to monitor their children’s use of technological devices, stressing that this is not an invasion of their privacy.
She said it is important to know what their children are doing and with whom they are socializing. Goss said she always disapproved of her son’s relationship with the girl, saying she on several occasions told the girl to stop contacting Tysen on social media. She even messaged the girl’s parent and an aunt, but with no success.
11-year-old boy’s suicide due to social media and texting prank, mom says https://t.co/jpNwdTYCNI
— Boring Me 2 Death (@BoringMe2Death) April 7, 2017
Marquette Police Department confirms the ongoing investigation is continuing into Tysen’s death, but they did add that any criminal charges would come via the Marquette County Prosecutor’s Office.
CBS News said they contacted the prosecutor’s office but they could provide no comment at this time. However, WNMU-FM has reported that the prosecutor’s office has authorized charges against the teenage girl for using a computer to commit a crime, along w the malicious use of telecommunication services. Goss says she hopes the prosecutor gives the girl the maximum possible charges as it was a calculated act and she must be held responsible for her actions.
Tysen's funeral planned for next week
According to a report by People, a funeral service is planned for Tuesday next week at 4 p.m. at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home in Marquette, Mi, where family, friends and community members will gather to remember Tysen.
Goss described her son to People as an "incredible athlete" who loved playing soccer and ice hockey. She said he was a joy to be around and had a great sense of humor. He was always trying to make his 14 and 10-year-old brothers laugh.
