MARQUETTE, Mich. – A juvenile has been charged in connection to an 11-year-old Michigan boy's suicide following a social media prank.
Tysen Benz, from Marquette, Michigan, died in Ann Arbor on Tuesday after being on life support.
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Investigators learned that the boy was engaged in communication with another juvenile on social media prior to the incident.
Tysen's mother, Katrina Goss told the Associated Press that her son was found hanging by the neck in his room after seeing social media posts and texts that his 13-year-old girlfriend killed herself. Goss says the girl and some friends orchestrated the prank and that Tysen replied over social media that he was going to kill himself.
The juvenile was charged with malicious use of telecommunication services and using computers to commit a crime. Police will not release the name of the suspect due to their status as a juvenile or comment on what relationship the person had with the boy.
Benz's mother, Katrina, is urging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of social media.
Here is her full statement, via TV6:
"My son Tysen Benz was an 11 year old student, athlete, comedian, friend, brother, charismatic and all around amazing child. On Tuesday March 14th he impulsively chose to end his own life as a result of a horrific act of a social media prank which is under investigation by authorities. He clung on with the help of life support until Tuesday April 4th. He has now been set free and can Rest In Peace. He was loved by everyone he knew and he will absolutely never be forgotten. Our family is completely heartbroken. I urge families to speak out, reach out and communicate with your children about life's precious gift and the dangers of the internet and texting and how telecommunications can have the same effects as speaking face to face. I want Tysen to be remembered as he was and all the joy he's brought to everyone. Keep his spirit alive by standing strong & fighting against social media bullying!!"
Stay with Local 4 and ClickonDetroit.com as more information becomes available.