Family Of 13-Year-Old Boy Who Died Days After His Birthday Says Bullying Concerns Were Dismissed As 'Seeking Attention'

Warning: This article includes discussion of suicide, which some readers may find upsetting or difficult to read.

The family of a 13-year-old boy from New Hampshire, who died by suicide shortly after his birthday, has shared that repeated warnings about bullying and his mental health were not taken seriously by others outside the home.

Josiah Michael Dwinell died on Thursday, March 12, in Alstead, New Hampshire. His death came just eight days after he had celebrated becoming a teenager, making the loss even more painful for those close to him.

According to his family, Josiah had been dealing with ongoing bullying both at school and on the bus in the time leading up to his death. These experiences appeared to have had a deep impact on him over time.

Shaena Stebbins, who identified herself as Josiah’s aunt, created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and medical costs. In doing so, she also spoke openly about the struggles Josiah had been facing.

In her message, Shaena explained that Josiah’s biological mother had passed away more than five years earlier. After that, he was adopted by his 'Mimi', who, she said, stood by him and tried to support him while he faced bullying.

Josiah Michael Dwinell tragically passed away just days after celebrating his 13th birthday GoFundMe

"He was being bullied at school and on the bus not one person outside his home tried to help him," Shaena claimed.

"He went to the hospital on numerous occasions where his Mimi sat by his side holding him trying to get him the help he was seeking and his mental health was overlooked, and everyone outside his home said he was seeking attention."

She added: "My nephew decided after a bus ride home that he couldn't handle the bullying anymore."

Shaena also shared how much Josiah meant to those around him. She described him as someone who brought warmth and kindness into people’s lives and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

"Josiah brought light and joy to our lives, and his absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled," she wrote.

"We are heartbroken and still trying to process this tragedy, but we want to honor his memory and give him the farewell he deserves."

Josiah was described as an 'amazing brother, son, nephew, and all-around young man who meant so much to everyone who knew him' GoFundMe

After the tragedy, Susan Stearns, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in New Hampshire, spoke about why it is so important to have open and understanding conversations with young people who may be struggling emotionally.

"You want to be having conversations, but you don't want to assume that a middle schooler, for example, has more knowledge than they do," she told PEOPLE.

"So you want to be finding out what it is they know, what it is they're thinking about, and being a calm presence acknowledging grief."

She continued by explaining how to approach difficult conversations, adding: "If you are concerned that someone might be considering suicide, then you want to ask that directly. It's a myth that you're going to put an idea into someone's head, and the reality is that is the best way to engage someone in that conversation."

If you or someone you know needs mental health support right now, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone who needs help.