The Inside Story of One Tragic MySpace Suicide

Thu Nov 15, 2007 1:00AM EST

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The story is so tragic it's actually difficult to read. Thirteen-year-old Megan Meier, victim of an orchestrated cyberbullying pile-on that left her dead, hanged by her own hand in her bedroom, unable to take the abuse any longer. But if you think you know how this one ends, read on.

Teen suicide is nothing new (it's one of the top causes of death for teens), but the online component certainly is, and it's growing. Meier's case, on the surface, has all the hallmarks of classic bullying. Overweight, depressed, and suffering from low self-esteem, she turned to the web, specifically MySpace, to make friends. There she met Josh, who flirted with her for weeks before abruptly cutting her off, sending her nasty notes about her being "mean" and "everybody hates you." Hours later, she had taken her own life.

Weeks later, Megan's parents would learn a horrifying truth: There was no "Josh." Josh was a creation of the parents of one of Megan's former friends, a girl with whom she'd had a falling out. That's right: A 13-year-old girl was bullied into taking her own life by grown-ups.

Ultimately no charges are likely to be filed over Megan's death, simply because there's no law broken for the adults to be charged with. The FBI investigated and was unable to recover all the messages Megan received, so the true level of provocation to suicide may never be known.

Meanwhile, the two families live on the same block. Megan's parents are divorcing. Life will never be the same for any of them. Welcome to MySpace.

No takeaways on this one aside from what you already know: Parents, keep tabs on your kids' online activities, and talk to them about the difference between knowing someone online and in real life. And whatever you do, don't believe anything you see on MySpace.

LINK: A real person, a real death 

Comments on The Inside Story of One Tragic MySpace Suicide

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  • 2 Posted by royal_tiger_rk on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Let's just hope people won't start saying absurd things such as; "Ban MySpace! It's evil!" Instead, let's hope people will be more aware of these things and be more ready for them.

  • 3 Posted by dehnger2u on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:40PM EDT Report Abuse

    Boring? You are a wretched and useless human being Poster #1, and I truly hope you are returned all your kindness and compassion in one lump payment....although, how likely is it that a coward like you would ever make themselves available to actual people? No, I would imagine that the anonymity of the computer is your badge of courage, and you are naught but a mouse when in public. So, in more understandable terms, and more likely possible occurances.....here's hoping you expire in some freak accident with a coke and electricity, while working inside your computer. You putz. Thanks for the article Chris.

  • 4 Posted by sushieatingmentor on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    This story is tragic and far from "boring" This happens on MYspace more or less to some degree-more than we want to admit. It is a sign of the times. With all this information out there- parents need to take responsibility for what their children do. I am far from any perspective to ban any of these "internet friends" sites- With knowledge comes responsibility! Are we moving(mentally,physically,responsilbity) slower than the pace of new technologies?

  • 5 Posted by theyowman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    Attention Parents: Get your fat kids from off the couch and out of the computer chair. Quit taking them to McDonalds, cook them something healthy. They want to sit in their room all day? Fine, don't stick a tv, phone, computer, and little debbie dispenser in there with them. Jesus Christ people. Rant Over.

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