UPDATE: A father is urgently warning parents about the deadly ‘sextortion’ trend after his 15-year-old son, Bryce Tate, tragically took his own life. The heartbreaking incident occurred on November 6, 2023, when Bryce received a text from an unknown number that led him into a twisted scheme, ending in his death just hours later.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Bryce returned home from the gym and was enjoying lunch when he received a message that would change everything. Just three hours later, he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His father, Adam Tate, expressed his anguish to the New York Post, declaring, “They say it’s suicide, but in my book, it is 100% murder.”
Bryce fell victim to a sextortion scheme that targets teenage boys by pretending to be someone they trust. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has tracked over 33,000 reports of child sextortion in 2024 alone. These online predators gather information from public social media profiles, posing as flirtatious teenagers to build trust.
“They acted like a local 17-year-old girl,” Adam explained. “They knew which gym he worked at, a couple of his best friends, and even name-dropped them.” The messages escalated quickly, leading Bryce to believe he was communicating with a peer, not a malicious scammer.
The fraudsters demanded $500, but Bryce only had $30. “He was desperate and offered his last $30,” Adam recalled, emphasizing the emotional toll of the scam. “These cowards wouldn’t take it.” When Bryce could not pay through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, the scammers resorted to threats, urging him to take his own life.
In his final moments, Bryce received over 120 texts in a short period, a tactic designed to keep victims engaged and isolated. “They create a tunnel vision where you can’t set your phone down,” Adam lamented.
The FBI has reported a significant rise in sextortion cases involving children and teens. Other victims include Walker Montgomery, a 16-year-old football star from Mississippi, and three other teens who tragically lost their lives due to similar scams. In total, children as young as 11 have been targeted, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
The investigation into Bryce’s death is ongoing. In response to this tragedy, Adam Tate is lobbying West Virginia lawmakers to pass Bryce’s Law, aimed at imposing harsher penalties for crimes leading to self-harm or suicide. “Building a relationship with your kids is vital, but it’s not enough. Parents must be aware of these threats and have open conversations,” Adam urged.
This tragic story serves as a critical reminder for families to stay vigilant against the growing threat of sextortion. Parents are encouraged to talk openly with their children about the dangers of online interactions and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior.
As Adam Tate fights to raise awareness, he hopes that his son’s story will prevent future tragedies. “We need to start the conversation,” he insists. “No child should ever feel so alone and desperate.”
