Student Known for "Laser Cat" Yearbook Photo Committed Suicide 

Today in very sad news: Schenectady High school senior Draven Rodriguez, known for his wonderful “laser cat” yearbook portrait, has committed suicide.

According to the Daily Gazette, Rodriguez took his life at his home on Thursday night. Rodriguez was 17-years-old. Rodriguez’s portrait with his beloved cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, went viral in the Fall. After his moment of celebrity, Rodriguez’s told his hometown paper:

“I don’t want to go in the yearbook with the generic ‘I-look-like-everyone-else’ photo. “I wanted a ‘He looks great. Only he would try that’ photo.”

“When people look at it,” he added, “they will know that was me

Rodriguez had become active in the How to UnMake a Bully campaign. Via the Daily Gazette:

Last week, Rodriguez posted a “selfie” on Instagram of him [the group’s founder]. The caption read: “Had an awesome time working with the kids in Amsterdam and I’m excited to work with them next year.”