One year ago, 10-year-old Sammy Teusch from Indiana tragically ended his life after enduring relentless bullying at school. His father, Samuel Teusch, has spoken out about the devastating lack of action from school officials who failed to protect Sammy despite repeated pleas for help.
Sammy was bullied verbally and physically by classmates, including being shoved into a trash can and taunted about his appearance and glasses. His family repeatedly alerted the school district, but the bullying continued unchecked. Sammy himself asked teachers for help but was ignored.
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On the morning after a soccer game where Sammy identified one of his tormentors, his family found him hanging in his bedroom — a loss that has left them heartbroken. Despite being a happy child, the cruelty he faced made him feel helpless and scared, leading to his tragic decision.
Samuel Teusch criticizes the school’s failure to hold bullies accountable, warning that without consequences, other children remain at risk. The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school, which has yet to take visible action.
Sammy’s father hopes to turn their grief into change. “In his name, we’re going to change the world,” he says, urging awareness and accountability to prevent other families from suffering similar heartbreak.
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