12-year-old Ava Little remembered for her light as family calls for kindness after tragic death

Family and community honor the Byron Middle School student while urging awareness about bullying and childhood mental health

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The family of 12-year-old Ava Little is remembering the joy she brought them while they work to raise awareness about bullying and childhood mental health.

According to Peach County coroner Kerry Rooks, Little took her own life on February 25.

A student at Byron Middle School, Ava is remembered as a bright, fearless and loving young girl whose personality filled every room she entered.

Ava was the youngest of five siblings. Her aunt, Paige Day, described her as adventurous and full of life.

“Anything she could do, she was willing to try,” Day said. If you told her, ‘Hey Ava, do this,’ she was gonna try it. She wasn’t scared of anything, and she was a beautiful girl.”

Family members say Ava had recently been experiencing severe bullying, something they believe became overwhelming. Even in the midst of unimaginable grief, her loved ones are channeling their pain into a message of compassion and awareness.

“We just want people to know that words hurt, and we want these kids to know please be kind to each other,” Day said. “Because you just don’t know what someone is going through. You just don’t know what kind of home life they have. Just be nice.”

To honor Ava’s life, friends and family gathered at Byron Baptist Church Monday before marching to Byron Middle School. Wearing shirts and carrying signs, they walked to keep her memory alive.

Day hopes people remember Ava for the happiness she spread.

“She was such a light in this dark world,” Day said. “She could make anybody laugh. She could make anybody smile. She was always having fun, dancing, singing. I want them to remember her like that.”

Peach County Schools Superintendent Jesse Davis confirmed a student died unexpectedly last week, calling the loss tragic for the entire community.

Davis said crisis counselors have been sent to support students and staff. The district is also reviewing reports of bullying to determine whether further action is necessary.

According to the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, it is still too early in the investigation to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed.

There is also a GoFundMe campaign to help support Ava’s family with funeral expenses. The fundraising goal is $30,000. As of now, $28,265 has been raised.

For Ava’s family, the message moving forward is simple: be kind, speak up and check on one another.

They hope that by sharing Ava’s story, other children who may be struggling will feel less alone and that others will think more carefully about the power of their words.