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Marquette boy dies from social media-spurred suicide attempt

MARQUETTE, MI--   A Marquette mother is speaking out against the dangers of social media after her son died from a suicide attempt last month.

WLUC-TV reports 11-year-old Tysen Benz died Tuesday after being on life support at an Ann Arbor hospital since March 14. Benz’ mother, Katrina Goss, says Benz was the victim of a social media prank, which is currently under investigation by authorities. 

On a GoFundMe page Goss urges families to talk to their kids about how precious life is and “the dangers of the internet and texting and how telecommunications can have the same effects as speaking face to face.”  She’s asking everyone to fight against social media bullying. 

Her full message is as follows:

"My son Tysen Benz was an 11 year old student, athlete, comedian, friend, brother, charismatic and all around amazing child. On Tuesday March 14th he impulsively chose to end his own life as a result of a horrific act of a social media prank which is under investigation by authorities. He clung on with the help of life support until Tuesday April 4th. He has now been set free and can Rest In Peace. He was loved by everyone he knew and he will absolutely never be forgotten. Our family is completely heartbroken. I urge families to speak out, reach out and communicate with your children about life's precious gift and the dangers of the internet and texting and how telecommunications can have the same effects as speaking face to face. I want Tysen to be remembered as he was and all the joy he's brought to everyone. Keep his spirit alive by standing strong & fighting against social media bullying!!"

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.