Brother,14,rides bull to honor brother,12, who died/suicide

Jacie Estes

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Teigan Gray rode to honor his brother; sad story but one that shows the love of one brother for another. “I’ll be wearing his chaps, his number on my leg, his handkerchief that he always use to wear when he rode, and his glove,” Teigan said.

Teigan Gray, 14, climbed atop a thousand pound bull Saturday. Straddling the massive creature, he tightened his grip on the rope. As the adrenaline began flowing, he reflected on the short life of his younger brother.

Teigan still mourns his 12-year-old brother, Tanner Thomas Gray, who committed suicide Nov. 19.

Teigan hoped to avenge Tanner, who rode the same bull for only two seconds just weeks before his death. Teigan's ride Saturday during the Little Britches Rodeo lasted nearly seven seconds, just shy of the eight seconds needed to qualify for points...

...Tanner was found dead at his home after suffering through a particularly harsh day of bullying by classmates at his school in Eagle Butte, Gray said. Gray discovered the body of his son, who had hanged himself. “I worked on him, doing everything I could to get him back,” he said.


http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/co...cle_86e7f06a-3a9a-5d5e-b303-bf6acf92e037.html
 
Cowboy Tanner Gray

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Tanner Gray lived more in his 12 years than most do in a lifetime. A family member called his death a bullycide rather than suicide. :(

Mitakuye Oyasin and condolences to Tanner's family, friends and community.

Tanner was friendly to everyone and an all-around good-hearted little cowboy.

Funeral services for Tanner Gray, 12, of LaPlant were held Monday, November 26, 2012 at the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School Auditorium.

Burial was at the Gray Ranch Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Tanner passed away November 19, 2012 in La Plant.

Tanner Thomas Gray was born on January 16, 2000 in Eagle Butte, to Steve Gray and Rhonda Rousseau. At the time of his passing, he was a 7th grade student at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Junior High.

Tanner’s greatest joy was playing for the C-EB football team and participating in Little Britches Rodeos. He had great pride in his Lakota heritage, staying up late nights, singing and drumming with The Virgin Creek Drum Group. He also belonged to the C-EB Junior High Drum Group.

Tanner was accomplished in shooting guns. He split second and third place with his brother in the 2010 4-H BB Gun Shooting Championship for South Dakota.

Tanner had passion and gave his all while participating in football, basketball, baseball, swimming and bull riding.

Tanner will be forever remembered for the biggest and kindest heart, beautiful smile, and his love for his family. Tanner was respectful, fearless, and had a great sense of humor. Tanner could also argue a person to the point of their surrender.

Tanner had a deep passion for horses and rodeos. He loved all animals, especially his dogs. He loved riding his horse JJ. Tanner was a top hand on the ranch and was his grandpa’s little partner. Grandpa, Tanner and JJ could work together like no other.

Tanner loved food and candy as he had his special hiding spots just like his Uncle John. He also enjoyed doing skits with brothers, sisters and cousins. He was a charmer. Tanner was a big fan of the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Steelers and could name all the players. He and his brother Teigan were excited when they met baseball player Pete Rose in Las Vegas, NV. It was one of the highlights of their trip.

Tanner was friendly to everyone and an all-around good-hearted little cowboy.

Grateful for having shared his life are his dad, Steven Gray; mother Rhonda Rousseau and family; stepmothers, Dianna Charles and Nicole Mailer; four sisters— Braden, Molly, Avery and Kylie; two brothers, Teigan and Tyan; great-grandma Marion LeCompte; grandparents, John and Desiree Gray; grandmother Doretta Bowker and family; aunts, uncles and cousins— Cathy, Trevor, Phannette, John, Shelby, Taylor, and JC Gray; special uncle, Jerry Gray; and special friend, Judy Lipp.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents— Casper Leo LeCompte, Pat and Evelyn Gray, Pete Rousseau, Lawrence and Virginia Rousseau, Joe Paul and Hazel Four Bear; brother, Tyler; and special friends Austin Anderson and Royce Bowker.


http://www.timberlakesouthdakota.com/obituaries/article_92a42f08-39d3-11e2-a303-0019bb2963f4.html
 
Mods...can this please be moved to the Bullying Forum?

Tanner's family refers to his death as bullycide, another child pushed to the extreme by the cruel actions of others..
 

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