Middle Tennessee family says 10-year-old took his own life, wants to spread awareness

PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) - A middle Tennessee family is spreading a message of awareness and help for others after they say their grandson took his own life.

Ian Austin was a student at Cane Creek Elementary School in Cookeville but over the weekend, tragedy struck the family and community.

Austin died from a gunshot wound on Saturday and the District Attorney tells FOX 17 News it appears the shooting was self-inflicted.

Only a few weeks until Christmas, his family is left distraught over his sudden passing. Austin's family tells FOX 17 News that he gave the best hugs, was polite and loved to swim. They say his teachers and classmates are devastated.

A GoFundMe has been created to help the family during this difficult time.

"Ian was 10 years old, full of life. He was an amazing kid he played football, rode four wheelers, grew up with my kids and a lot of our friends kids, we've pretty much been a big family. It breaks our heart what happened," the GoFundMe reads.

Austin's funeral is being held at 6 p.m. Thursday at The Edge Facility at Life Church. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3 p.m. until service time at the church. Graveside services and interment will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Judd Cemetery.

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

TBI School Violence Hotline: 1-800-824-3463

Text TN to 741741 to connect to the Crisis Text Line and a trained counselor

Information for parents and students.

Below are warning signs to look out for, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network: