Daisy Coleman was a bright and brave young woman who made headlines after accusing Matthew Barnett of sexually assaulting her when she was just 14 years old. Her story was featured in the 2016 Netflix documentary Audrie and Daisy, shedding light on the alleged assault and its aftermath.
In a small Missouri town in 2012, Daisy and a 13-year-old friend claimed they were sexually assaulted and plied with alcohol during a party at Barnett’s home. Despite the harrowing experience, Daisy co-founded SafeBAE to help other young victims of sexual assault.
Tragically, Daisy’s life took a dark turn when she was found dead on August 4, 2020, after her mother called the police to check on her well-being. She died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while on a FaceTime call with her boyfriend. Just four months later, her mother also passed away by suicide on December 6.
Matthew Barnett, the teenager accused of assaulting Daisy, pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor child endangerment but was acquitted of sexual assault. Despite the allegations against him, he was not convicted of a felony sexual assault charge.
The Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy, which won a Peabody Award in 2016, brought Daisy’s story to a wider audience. It highlighted the relentless bullying she faced, both in person and online, after coming forward with her allegations.
Daisy’s tragic death raised important discussions about sexual assault and mental health. Her story serves as a reminder of the challenges survivors face and the importance of supporting those who have been through traumatic experiences.
