The Death of Aubreigh Wyatt

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. – Since Aubreigh Wyatt’s suicide on September 4, 2023, her mother, Heather Wyatt, has used social media to grieve. Posting primarily on Tik Tok, Heather made posts to talk about the person her daughter was. She spoke actively on the consequences of bullying without directly attacking her daughter’s presumed bullies.

In February, she posted a video saying the Ocean Springs Police Department and Jackson County Youth Court had each decided not to pursue bullying cases over Aubreigh’s death. Out of frustration, and with the case closed against Aubreigh’s alleged accusers, Heather began showing screenshots from Aubreigh’s snap chat, that potentially supports her claims.

As Heather’s following grew, numerous accounts began sharing the mother’s story. Often taking Heather’s words as irrefutable fact, immune to the nuance that often surrounds such tragedy. The other accounts began to include the names of the accused bullies, all minors. A fundraising group even began collecting money using her daughter’s name, unbeknownst to Heather.

A Tik Tok of Heather’s went viral earlier this month of her going through some of Aubreigh’s things on camera. The family was preparing for a move, and in a pile of her daughters things, were notes addressed to each member of her family, and one to everyone. All signed “Aubs”. It was Aubreigh’s final message to her family and the world. For many, the viral Tik Tok and the hashtag #JusticeforAubreigh was the first time hearing about Aubreigh’s tragic death.

Aubreigh’s alleged bullies pictures began to spread online, demanding the children feel shame for what they had done. Some going as far as publicly listing the address of one of the girls. In addition to the alleged bullies being outed, their parents along with their places of work were also revealed, with some demanding their resignation.

The parents of the four children filed a defamation lawsuit against Heather Wyatt. Chancery Court Judge Mark Maples ordered Heather Wyatt’s social media accounts to be temporarily shut down. Maples said he was trying to protect the minors accused of bullying Aubreigh.