A heartbroken father, Adam Tate, is urgently warning parents about the deadly consequences of a growing sextortion trend after his son, 15-year-old Bryce Tate, tragically took his own life. This devastating incident unfolded on November 6, 2023, when Bryce, a sophomore at Nitro High School, received a text from an unknown number shortly after returning home from the gym. Just hours later, at approximately 7:30 p.m., he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“They say it’s suicide, but in my book, it is 100% murder,” Adam Tate expressed in an emotional interview with the New York Post. He described the scammers as “godless demons,” highlighting the predatory nature of sextortion schemes targeting vulnerable teens.
Authorities reveal that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has recorded over 33,000 reports of child sextortion in just 2024. The scheme typically involves online fraudsters posing as flirtatious teenagers, gathering personal information from social media to build trust with their victims. In Bryce’s case, they pretended to be a local girl, using details about his gym and friends to gain his confidence.
Adam recounted that the scammers demanded $500 from Bryce, who only had $30 to offer. “My son had 30 freaking dollars, and he’s like, ‘Sir, I’ll give you my last $30,'” Adam recalled. The extortionists then resorted to threats of violence and even urged him to take his own life, stating, “because your life is already over.” In his final hours, Bryce received over 120 texts, a tactic used by scammers to maintain control and keep victims engaged.
The FBI has reported a significant surge in sextortion cases affecting children and teens, with many being coerced into sending explicit images. In 2022 alone, multiple tragic cases were reported, including that of Walker Montgomery, a 16-year-old football star, and others who succumbed to similar scams. As investigations continue into Bryce’s case, Adam is advocating for Bryce’s Law, a proposed amendment aimed at increasing penalties for crimes leading to self-harm or suicide.
“This is not just a family tragedy; it’s a public crisis,” Adam stated, emphasizing the need for awareness among parents and communities. He urged others to recognize the dangers of online interactions and foster open conversations with their children about these threats.
As the investigation into Bryce’s death remains ongoing, parents are reminded to stay vigilant and informed about the realities of sextortion. Bryce’s heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced protections against online predators.
