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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  • 6 Posted by bannedfromteal on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    For supposely mature parents they are sad excuse for human beings.What you reap, you will sow.

  • 7 Posted by thatdamngood04 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    #1 and #5 are the type that would cause a situation like this to occur.Sit behind that computer and act like a badass.Grow up and get a life.

  • 8 Posted by monkeybutt829 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    THOSE PARENTS WHO INVENTED "JOSH" YOU ARE COLD HEARTED BEYONG BELIEF!!!! wHAT IF IT WERE YOUR DAUGHTER! I HOPE YOU SUFFER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES KNOWING YOU HAD A HAND IN THE DEATH OF A 13 YEAR OLD.

  • 9 Posted by babybonzo69 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    That was cruel that parents of one child would do that to another child - what's wrong with adults? something serious, with these people to badger and belittle a child - there's enough problems with children bullying other children but grown people? I would continue to look at ALL legal possibilities of pressing charges of any type for this unfortunate situation. These people need to be held responsible for their actions!

  • 10 Posted by eblack7164 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    Royal_tiger_rk, MySpace was already called out a while back because of the possibility of pedophiles wanting to meet up with minors. Once the guys in charge started cross-referencing profiles with the National Child Sex Offender Registry, there was a huge throwdown against MySpace.

  • 11 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    For those that young its almost always about "love" or bullying. This one was a mix of both. They dont know how to handle it.

  • 12 Posted by boolasgurl on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    First, stop blaming myspace. Second, as a parent this kid should have been taken to counseling or something for her depression. I agree her parents should have encouraged weight loss as well. These things don't happen over night and the parents had to see something coming. Third, that other family should be publicly stoned.

  • 14 Posted by lorraine.roden on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    i would kinda like to know the name of the woman who posed as Josh. That way she might be able to pay retribution for bullying Megan.

  • 15 Posted by lorraine.roden on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    i meant to say parent, not woman, in my previous comment.

  • 16 Posted by el_feui84 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    parents u should really monitor ur kids. for their sake.

  • 17 Posted by beckholz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    How terribly, terribly sad. As adults we should be on the lookout for teens who seem cut off from the 'normal' group. Talk to them, share your life with them, and give them encouragement. There is a good reason why clubs like "Big Brother, Big Sisters" are out there. Many times, no matter how caring parents might be, teens do NOT share their inner hurt with them. But someone they feel is like a big-sister or brother is a safer person to turn to in times of need. No one wants to feel they've invaded into 'personal' family issues, but I'm certain the teachers of that young girl also feel partly responsible for not getting her help. We can ALL do things to keep young people from harming themselves. My thoughts & prayers go out to that child's family.

  • 18 Posted by dwstxs1969 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    Too bad these 'parents' that did the bullying can't be charged with something criminal.....well, If I were the parent of the girl who was driven to suicide...I would take out a full page ad in the local paper and 'out' these creeps in 30 pt Bold caps and let the community know who they are and what they did....see how they like a little bullying......

  • 19 Posted by mommybrend@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    You go theyowman! The real problem with many of these kids are their parents. If you let them on the computer, put it in the family room and monitor them. Give them time limits. And introduce them to the Lord. He will always be there for them! mommybrend

  • 20 Posted by fdougmiller on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Curt and Lori Drew 269 Waterford Crystal Dr Dardenne Prairie, Mo 63368

  • 21 Posted by mcrgrl95 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    you know that was a very trajic thing to happen and i dont understand why people are so heart less to say that it was boring. i dont understand a person like that and how childish were someones parents to do something like that . and i think the parents should get in trouble they were pretending to be a teenage boy and herassing a teenager. god bless the victams family.

  • 22 Posted by joyell777 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    What a tragedy! How old are these parents? They couldn't be much older than thirteen themselves! This child, Megan Meiers, would still be alive if not for Lori Drew. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Meiers, please don't divorce. Sue the Drews in Civil Court and get everything they have, and ever will have. Rest assured, they will be found GUILTY in a court of law. The Meiers showed considerable constraint by only smashing up a foosball table and driving the Drew's yard. They are absolute saints! Has anyone contacted the Vatican to see if they can be cannonized?

  • 23 Posted by s_a_jordan_001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    What was done to Megan was already a federal felony under 47 USC 223. Excerpt: "Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both." Why on Earth was this not prosecuted a year ago?

  • 24 Posted by rjeffreycoates@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is so sad. Any parent must be crushed. It was difficult to read. I read the full newspaper story in the link. MAN, HOW SAD. I suppose I look at it diffrently because I am a parent, but it does not matter that some find the story boring or believe that "fat kids should get off the couch," it is a very sad story. I for one am going to be even more involved in my children's lives. I would be devistated if this happened to me. I think the parents should sue the others involved ... so everyone knows who and what happened.

  • 25 Posted by djoh437938 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    what ever happened to the edict, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me? Are children taught this anymore?

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