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Photo: Trinacria Photography

Just five months ago, Draven Rodriguez brought a smile to the face of everyone who cheered on his viral campaign to get a laser-lights enhanced photo of him and his cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, into his high school yearbook. Today, recalling the Schenectady, New York 17-year-old is bringing tears to the eyes of everyone who knew him. Rodriguez died on Thursday at home and his parents reportedly tell the Times Union the cause of death was suicide.

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Friends have flocked to post thoughts about their shock and condolences on Rodriguez's Instagram account, where a mere two weeks ago he spoke of plans for the future. Captioning a photo mentioning the anti-bullying "Don't Wait" Project, the teen - who lists "life" as one of his favorite things on the social media site - noted, "I'm excited to work with them next year." Rodriguez, after all, wasn't a loner, notes his father, Jonathan Stewart to the Times Union. "He made friends wherever he went."

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Photo: Trinacria Photography

But a busy social calendar and ready smile reveal little about what's going on inside someone's mind. "Most people who die by suicide have made future plans," Michelle Cornette, PhD, Executive Director of the American Association of Suicidology tells Yahoo Parenting. Though it may sound counter intuitive, she says that people with suicidal tendencies experience a push and pull between their will to life and to die. "So even if it seems like a kid is doing really well, is captain of a team or succeeding in school and social, don't assume they're doing well" if your gut tells you they may need help. "Data suggests that our greatest challenge in preventing suicide is identifying the individuals at risk," she adds.

Cornette shares the three biggest warning signs of suicidal tendencies that mothers and fathers may overlook, so they can start tuning in today. "Sometimes I think parents are afraid," she says. "They say, I don't want to offend my child by asking them if they're feeling suicidal if they're not. But they will forgive you if you're wrong. If you're right, you could save a life."

1. Irritability
Crankiness is something that many people don't interpret as depression or being related at all to suicide risk, but it is. "People think of depression as something sad or tearful, not a lashing out," says Cornette, who adds that it's a mistake to automatically think of irritability and angry outbursts as typical hormonal teenage behavior. "But any significant change in behavior, any change out of the norm for adolescents, should be paid attention to."

2. Changes in sleep
Too much and too little sleep all of a sudden could signal something is seriously wrong, says the expert. "In the context of being a symptom of depression, sleep issues can manifest both ways. Teens could sleep to escape the world or their problems, or they could be unable to sleep if they're having difficulty shutting their mind down." It's easy for a parent to overlook this sign, as teens are known to sleep until noon, but she says that any altered habits are worth making note of. "Research shows us that sleep disruption was more strongly associated with suicidal behavior than was depression or hopelessness."

3. Recklessness
"Literature suggests that individuals who engage in risky activities are at a higher risk," says Cornette. The theory, she explains, is that in order to engage in suicidal behavior you have to overcome a strong self-preservation instinct. "You might imagine that someone who does things on the edge might be less fearful when at some point they decide to put their life in danger." Extreme examples include playing Russian Roulette and high-speed motorcycle rides while intoxicated but any shift in related behavior could be a red flag, she says. "Including a change in the level of substance abuse."

For additional resources visit The American Association of Suicidology or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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Suicide of 'Laser Cat' Teen Is a Wakeup Call

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Just five months ago, Draven Rodriguez brought a smile to the face of everyone who cheered on his viral campaign to get a laser-lights enhanced photo of him and his cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, into his high school yearbook.

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Blue hearts, for her "beautiful blue eyes," are taped up and down her high school hallway.

All of them a heartbreaking reminder of a life cut short.

Vela killed herself this week, putting a gun to her chest while her family begged her not to. She was 18 years old -- and she had been relentlessly bullied.

Bullied for her weight

Brandy's sister, Jackie, says the teen had always been bullied for her weight, but the cyberbullying ramped up in April.

"People would make up fake Facebook accounts and they would message her and she wouldn't respond and they would still come at her," Jackie said.

"They would say really, really mean things like, 'Why are you still here?' They would call her fat and ugly. She was beautiful, absolutely beautiful; the only thing people could find to pick on her was her weight."

Jackie says her sister changed her phone number and reported the bullying to police, but was told they couldn't help her.

"They couldn't do anything because [the suspects] used an app and it wasn't traceable and they couldn't do something until something happened, like they fight," Jackie said.

'I'm sorry for everything'

Jackie said she knew something was wrong when she got a text from Brandy on Tuesday saying "I love you so much, please remember that, and I'm sorry for everything."

Worried, she called her parents and grandparents. They rushed home to their house in Texas City, Texas, where they found Brandy in her room with a gun.

The family pleaded with the teen not to pull the trigger. But Brandy had made up her mind.

A devastated community

Melissa Tortorici, the communications director for the Texas City Independent School District where Brandy was a high school senior, says the community is "devastated."

"Brandy was well-liked and friendly. Texas City High School students really liked her. She has touched many people as evident by the outpouring of love from her schoolmates," Tortorici wrote in an email to CNN.

Texas City police Capt. Joe Stanton told CNN that detectives were interviewing the family and will be contacting people the family believes are suspects. They're also following up on several tips that came in.

In addition, sheriff's deputies will be addressing cyberbullying again with students next week.

"Today's young adults and teenagers have grown up with technology and they have access to it 24/7. Many times they become very bold over technology and text things they would never say directly to someone's face," Tortorici said.

"It's extremely difficult to stop someone from sending messages when apps make it easy to remain anonymous."

Tortorici said students are planning to release blue balloons in Brandy's honor Friday.

A new reality

After she shot herself, Brandy was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her organs, including those eyes, were recovered.

"She had beautiful eyes," Jackie said, adding the family hopes to meet the person who receives them.

For now, Jackie is adjusting to her new reality.

'I'm going to miss having her be here, going into her room and laying with her and talking to her."

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bullied teen kills herself in front of her family - cnn

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Bullied teen kills herself in front of family

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Blue hearts, for her "beautiful blue eyes," are taped up and down her high school hallway. All of them a heartbreaking reminder of a life cut short. Vela killed herself this week, putting a gun to her chest while her family begged her not to.