David Crawford Obituary: Jackson, Georgia Teen Remembered for Kindness, Faith and Love of History After Tragic Death
David Crawford Obituary, JACKSON, Ga. — David Crawford, an 18-year-old Jackson High School student who was preparing to begin his senior year, has died in a death his family believes was connected to persistent bullying and harassment he allegedly experienced at school.
Crawford was found Tuesday, Aug. 4, on a walking trail near his home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to his family. His death has left his parents, siblings, classmates and others who knew him mourning while investigators work to establish what happened and what circumstances may have preceded his death.
Crawford’s family said his outgoing personality often concealed struggles that he rarely discussed with them. His sister, Cheyenne, said he became increasingly isolated after an incident at school the previous year. The family believes rumors were subsequently spread about him and that he was shunned by other students without being given an opportunity to defend himself.
His mother, Summer Crawford, said she made efforts to maintain an open relationship with her children and regularly tried to understand what David might have been experiencing. She said that when she noticed he appeared down and asked what was wrong, he would often tell her that he did not want to talk about it or that everything was fine. The family said they only began learning more about the alleged bullying and harassment after his death.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting Jackson police with the case, according to the family, and investigators have David’s phone as part of their work. The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and information about what may have happened in the period leading up to it. The family has said it wants a thorough and fair investigation and accountability if investigators determine that wrongdoing occurred.
At the same time, David’s family has urged people not to target, threaten or harass anyone suspected of being involved. His sister said the family does not want his death to lead to additional bullying or hostility, emphasizing that they want the circumstances investigated rather than vigilante action or online harassment.
David was remembered by his family and community as an intelligent, kind and faith-driven young man. His obituary described him as someone who loved working out and walking and was a dedicated “gym rat.” He had a strong interest in history, Johnny Cash and his Christian faith. He was also an outstanding student and a valued member of the Jackson High School NJROTC program.
The Butts County School System and Jackson High School said David would be deeply missed by his classmates, teachers and the wider school community. The City of Jackson also publicly identified him and expressed sympathy to his family and friends. David is survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. His family hopes his death will encourage people to recognize when someone who appears happy or outgoing may be privately struggling and to take those signs seriously. They are mourning a young man whose life, family said, was marked by kindness, intelligence, faith and a deep love of learning.
