Heartbreak for Clare McCann as She Mourns the Loss of Her Son

Australian actress and journalist Clare McCann is mourning the devastating loss of her 13-year-old son, Atreyu, who tragically took his own life after months of relentless bullying. In an emotional Instagram post, McCann described her heartbreak and called for urgent action to protect other children from similar suffering.

Atreyu had just begun Year 7 at South Sydney High School when, according to McCann, he faced constant bullying — including physical assaults, humiliation, and harassing phone calls. Despite repeated reports to school staff and the Department of Education, she claims no meaningful intervention occurred. “They just destroyed him,” she wrote, remembering her son as “kind, creative, and endlessly loved.”

In response to his death, McCann launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $300,000 AUD to cryogenically preserve Atreyu’s body and cover associated medical and legal costs. Any remaining funds will support anti-bullying advocacy and help families facing similar crises.

Atreyu had already begun his acting career, with appearances in shows like Deadly Women, Black Truck, and Benefited. McCann described him as a rising talent with a bright future. Now, she is using her platform to demand systemic change, seeking justice for her son and protection for vulnerable students.

Her message is clear: bullying must be taken seriously, schools must be held accountable, and children deserve a safe environment where they are valued and protected. “We need to do better,” she wrote. “For Atreyu. For every child.”