Lincoln County family encourages communication among kids, parents, teachers after teen’s unexpected death

STANTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Lincoln County family is speaking out after the loss of 17-year-old Michael Varvel, a high school senior who died by suicide in early October.

Megan Robbins told FOX 56 there’s now a hole in her family’s heart. It’s a hole in the shape of her cousin, Michael, who she said had an uplifting spirit and loved making people laugh.

“He smiled a lot. He was happy a lot, at least around us he was,” Robbins said.

Now that smile is only a memory.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Michael took his own life. He was a senior at Lincoln County High School, and Robbins said he was bullied.

“The only thing we know is that he had a really bad day at school on Wednesday,” she told FOX 56. “We are one of many families impacted by this. And if it doesn’t get addressed, it’s only going to get worse.”

The next day, the district posted about Michael’s death on Facebook, offering counseling services to students and staff and encouraging a culture of “understanding, kindness, and care.”

Robbins said if Michael had opened up more, or if the school was aware of the bullying, he might still be here today. Instead, her family is left with memories of Michael and unanswered questions.

“We won’t get another birthday. We won’t get Christmas. We won’t even get another day with him. It feels like we were cheated,” Robbins said.

Now, with an empty chair that will be at the family’s weekly Sunday lunch, Robbins and the rest of her family are urging kids to speak up about bullying, and for parents to take their voices seriously.

“It wasn’t an accident. It’s a tragedy. It should have been prevented. It could have been prevented,” Robbins said. “Don’t make a permanent decision off a temporary situation.”

A message she hopes will reach others before it’s too late.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support, 24/7.