Heartbroken actress who attempted to ‘preserve’ 13-year-old son’s body after his death finally lays him to rest
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing
A mother who was raising money in an attempt to ‘preserve’ her teenage son’s body after his tragic death has finally laid him to rest.
Last month, Australian actress Clare McCann, who is best known for her breakout role as 'Cherry' on the popular TV series Blog Party, shared the heartbreaking news that her 13-year-old son Atreyu had died by suicide.
She issued a desperate plea to her followers and revealed her plans to cryogenically freeze his body so that one day he might be brought back to life by scientific advances.
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In a statement on 26 May, the grieving mum shared the devastating news of his death and explained that Atreyu had been the victim of 'months of relentless bullying', and simply saw no way out.
In a follow-up message, the actress explained that she was aiming to raise six figures to go ahead with the cryogenic freezing.
The scientific process sees bodies being preserved at extremely low temperatures - usually below -120 degrees - and stored at a cryogenic facility.
"It breaks my heart beyond what words can compare to share that in a moment of unbearable pain Atreyu took his own life," she wrote online.
"This was not his fault. He was let down by the schooling system as he suffered horrendous amounts of bullying.
"Now I humbly beg of you to help me preserve his life and help me fight against this inhumane landslide of child suicides caused by unchecked bullying by schools and teachers."
However, it was a race against the clock and the time window to raise the funds was short, with Clare initially stating that there were only seven days to bring in AU$300,000 (£140,000).
As time began to run out, she issued an update on the situation and wrote on her Instagram Story: “Thank you to everyone who tried to help give my baby another chance at life. I knew it was a long shot but I had to try.”
And now, Clare has finally laid her son to rest, with his funeral being held in Sydney on Monday (16 June).
Speaking in front of her son’s coffin, Clare said: “Atreyu you saved me from the nothingness, you brought my life indescribable joy when I had none,” reports News.com.au.
She continued: “As you grew I revelled in your beauty. I always felt so blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful boy. You were and will always be my best mate.
“You were the most intelligent, funniest person I have ever known.”
According to the outlet, Clare also opened up about the distressing bullying her son faced.
She told attendees: “Upon starting high school he was singled out and bullied by some kids who were jealous of him. They tried to dim his light.”
Clare heartbreakingly added that ‘now the world knows his name, his story and his message’ and expressed her determination to campaign for an overhaul of school anti-bullying policies.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: Australia, Mental Health, News, Parenting
Madison Burgess