💔 A Heartbroken Mother’s Mission
Australian actress and filmmaker Clare McCann is publicly mourning the loss of her 13-year-old son, Atreyu McCann, who passed away on May 23.
In a public fundraiser, McCann shared that she is seeking to raise funds to cryogenically preserve her son’s body—a decision rooted in both grief and hope.
In the fundraiser, McCann wrote that her son died by suicide after enduring what she described as “months of horrific bullying” at his public school.
She said she had reached out multiple times to the school and local education officials to intervene, but feels her concerns were not addressed.
Clare McCann Speaks Out
In an interview with 7News Sydney, McCann said the bullying began when Atreyu started high school and claimed that, to her knowledge, no disciplinary action had been taken against students involved.
“None of them were suspended, none of them were expelled,” she said. “I feel completely let down.”
As of Tuesday, the New South Wales Department of Education has not commented publicly on the situation.
A Race Against Time For Cryogenic Preservation
McCann is aiming to raise $300,000 AUD to preserve her son’s body through cryopreservation, a scientific process in which a body is cooled and stored at very low temperatures shortly after death.
The procedure is based on the hope that future medical advancements may one day allow for revival.
“This is about hope and justice,” McCann wrote. “Refusing to let my son’s story end in silence.”
She stated the funds would be used for immediate cryopreservation, legal and medical services, and establishing a trust in Atreyu’s name to support causes that prevent bullying and support youth mental health.
A Broader Call For Awareness
While the fundraiser’s primary focus is on cryopreservation, McCann has also expressed a desire to use her platform to raise awareness about the impact of bullying and to advocate for change within the school system.
“I want to make sure this never happens again,” she wrote.
Atreyu McCann’s passing has prompted an outpouring of support and discussion around school bullying, youth mental health, and the lengths grieving families will go to preserve memory, hope, and legacy.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or needing support is encouraged to reach out to a mental health professional or contact a local helpline.
To learn more or contribute to the fundraiser, visit the official donation page here.
Lock In With Ice Cream Convos:
- SUBSCRIBE To Ice Cream Conversations on YouTube.
- FOLLOW US on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- SHARE this post on socials!
