ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Hundreds of motorcyclists and drivers rode through Salem to honor the memory of Autumn Bushman, a 10-year-old girl who took her own life one year ago.
Autumn’s father, Mark Bushman, and his fiancée hosted the memorial event, inviting the community to drive alongside them.
“Really out of her 10 years, she made life, you know, so enjoyable,” said Summer Bushman, Autumn’s mother. “And just so amazing to be around. And, you know, I just miss her.”
The drive began at the Salem Civic Center and drew 400 motorcyclists, along with cars, to raise money for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
“It was so emotional to see everybody ride out of the Civic Center,” said Summer Bushman. There were so many motorcycles, so many vehicles that participated.”
Mark Bushman said the turnout gave him hope.
“It just gives me a lot of hope,” said Mark Bushman. “Not just that Autumn’s legacy will continue, because it has to continue through us if it’s going to. It takes people like this coming out on a day that they could do anything else. And showing us support and love.”
David Paxton, an attendee, said he came to support the cause.
“The reason we’re here, riding for the little girl that lost her life to bullying. Bullying in school just isn’t right,” Paxton said.
Adelyn Lloyd, who has dealt with depression since childhood, said she recognizes how dark things can get and emphasized getting through those moments.
“It’s just, you have to fight to not give in to the badness and evil in the world,” Lloyd said.
Cody Procter, who has a daughter of his own, said the tragedy hit close to home.
“I mean, it could have been my little girl,” Procter said.
Autumn’s story has reached Richmond. “Autumn’s Law,” spearheaded by the Bushmans and a local lawmaker, would have made aggravated bullying and cyberbullying a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The bill did not move forward in the General Assembly and has been tabled until next year.
Summer Bushman said the memorial showed how much Autumn is loved.
“She is just so loved. And there are so many people that love her,” she said.
Mark Bushman said his daughter embodied kindness.
“When you think of kindness, for me personally, I think of my daughter. That was who she was,” he said.
Proceeds from the event go to Tudor House, a local nonprofit focused on mental health awareness.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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