Australian actress Clare McCann has ended her campaign to possibly bring her deceased son back to life. When McCann’s 13-year-old son Atreyu died by suicide on May 23, 2025, she responded by launching a GoFundMe to raise money to cryogenically freeze his body. Her hope was that in the future, with more advanced technology, Atreyu could be unthawed and brought back to life.
She attempted to raise $196,000 to pay for the cost of freezing. McCann would have needed to raise the money in seven days time to prevent the decomposition of her son’s body. She was unable to reach her goal. Now, she’s shifted her focus.
‘I knew it was a long shot but I had to try,’ McCann wrote to her followers.
Once McCann realized she would not reach her goal in time, she provided an update to her followers on Instagram, Tyla reports. “Thank you to everyone who tried to help give my baby another chance at life,” she wrote. “I knew it was a long shot but I had to try.” In the description of the GoFundMe once used for the preservation, McCann shared that since they did not reach the goal in time, donations will go toward her son’s final resting place and covering funeral costs.
Atreyu’s funeral took place on June 16, in Sydney. Clare spoke at the service, News.com.au reports.
“Atreyu you saved me from the nothingness,” she said standing in front of his casket. “You brought my life indescribable joy when I had none.” She continued. “As you grew I reveled in your beauty. I always felt so blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful boy. You were and will always be my best mate. You were the most intelligent, funniest person I have ever known.”
‘They tried to dim his light,’ McCann said of her son’s bullies.
During the service, she also took the opportunity to address the issue of bullying that caused Atreyu to end his life. “Upon starting high school he was singled out and bullied by some kids who were jealous of him. They tried to dim his light,” she explained. Then she added, “Now the world knows his name, his story and his message.”
McCann plans to use funds to promote anti-bullying causes.
On the old GoFundMe page, McCann shared that any additional funds raised for Atreyu’s funeral will go toward a trust in his name to protect his legacy, a national campaign for anti-bullying education and to cover the legal costs of fighting the institutions that failed to protect her son. McCann shared that before her son’s death, she begged the Department of Education and Children’s Services to intervene.
“I have medical records, psychologist reports, a formal PTSD diagnosis from his doctor, and emails proving I raised the alarm repeatedly,” she wrote. “But nothing was done. No one stepped in. And now, my beautiful boy is gone.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
