The parents of a 10-year-old Indiana boy who died by suicide have revealed the heartbreaking bullying their son allegedly endured before his tragic death.
Sammy Teusch was found dead on May 5, 2024, just hours after bullies reportedly told him they would "get him" when school resumed after the weekend, according to WRTV.
The young boy was discovered by his 13-year-old brother, Xander Teusch, hanging from his bunk bed at around 11:30AM.
Now, Sammy’s parents, Sam and Nicole Teusch, are taking legal action. They've filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation and its Board of Trustees, accusing them of turning a blind eye to repeated complaints about the bullying Sammy faced.
The lawsuit claims school officials showed “callous indifference” and alleges that multiple staff members were “repeatedly informed about the bullying of Sammy Teusch ('Sammy') by students under the District's supervision, and yet did nothing to address it.”
"As a direct and proximate result of the District's and these individuals' gross dereliction of arguably their most important duty, Sammy took his own life on May 5, 2024," the legal filing states.
The alleged abuse began as early as third grade. Sammy’s parents say he was taunted by classmates who called him “Dahmer,” referencing infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer - a nickname they say was tied to Sammy’s appearance.
When one teacher was informed, the lawsuit claims her only reaction was: “In her opinion, Sammy did somewhat resemble Jeffrey Dahmer.”
Sammy’s behavior in the classroom soon shifted. He began acting out, which his parents believe was “a cry for help.” Instead, the lawsuit alleges he was punished for being disruptive.
One principal did intervene at one point, allowing Sammy to eat lunch in their office. However, the filing says: “It is unknown whether [the principal] took any disciplinary actions towards the bullies, or informed their parents.”
But things didn’t improve. When Sammy transitioned to Greenfield Intermediate School for fourth grade, the bullying allegedly intensified.
“During breakfast period, Sammy was chased throughout the school, and would attempt to hide in a bathroom stall, often refusing to come out,” the lawsuit states. He was also “physically assaulted,” with one incident involving another student striking him over the head with an iPad, leaving him with a black eye and injuries to his neck and shoulder.
Despite what the family says were around 20 separate reports to school staff, the bullying persisted.
“Despite knowledge of the continued bullying and harassment, the District did not take appropriate corrective action,” the lawsuit alleges. “This callous disregard for Sammy's safety exasperated him, at one point telling [his father], 'They don't listen to me daddy.'”
The lawsuit also accuses the school of “victim shaming and victim blaming,” with administrators reportedly claiming the bullying was a “Sammy problem” and attributing it to his “mental problems.”
When asked about the lawsuit, the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation referred WRTV to an earlier statement.
“The loss of a child to suicide is deflating to any community, and Greenfield was clearly in shock for a few weeks as we closed last school year. Members of the school corporation and the larger community grieved with the Teusch family, and we will continue to extend them support and grace in the aftermath of the event,” the statement read.
“Since that terrible day (May 5th), we have reviewed our records with great scrutiny and interviewed many people close to the situation. To this day, we have found nothing to validate the allegation you referenced,” the district added. “We believe an objective review of the records would reach the same conclusion.”
“In Greenfield-Central we do want to ensure that we are doing all we can do to support our students, regardless of the needs they have when they walk through our doors. We will always maintain that commitment to our students and families.”
Local authorities have confirmed that bullying occurred in the lead-up to Sammy’s “traumatic” death and have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Speaking to PEOPLE in May, Sammy’s father, Sam Teusch, said the loss of his son was a wound that “can’t be fixed,” but added, “So I have to create something to fix it for others".
Determined to spark change, Sam began circulating a petition urging Congress to pass nationwide anti-bullying legislation, a call to action that has since garnered over 38,128 signatures.
Despite his grief, he shared how difficult it has been to remain hopeful: “How do you do that in a situation like this?” he said. “This is never, ever, ever, ever going to be positive. Never. There is nothing positive about this … There is no positive out of this unless we make it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.