A tragic case has emerged involving Caleb Morgan, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, Kansas, who died by suicide after falling victim to an online “sextortion” scam. Caleb began chatting with someone he believed to be a girl his age on TikTok, which then moved to Snapchat. The person sent him compromising images and pressured him to send photos in return. Soon, demands for money followed, threatening to share his photos if he didn’t comply.
Caleb’s mother, devastated by the loss, revealed how the blackmail made him feel hopeless, leading to his desperate decision. Despite efforts to save him after the incident, Caleb passed away at home. His parents were initially unaware of the cause until police discovered the distressing conversations on his phone. Caleb had even sent a picture of a gun in a cry for help.
Sextortion scams like this involve criminals blackmailing victims with explicit images, often threatening to share them unless more photos or money are given. According to the FBI, these predators sometimes start by claiming to already possess compromising material to coerce victims. Such scams target vulnerable young people online, highlighting the dangers lurking on social media platforms.
This heartbreaking story underscores the importance of parental awareness and monitoring of children’s online activity, as well as educating youth about online safety. While technology connects us, it also presents risks that require vigilance, open communication, and support to protect young lives from exploitation.
The Moore family of Kansas is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Caleb Moore, who died by suicide after falling victim to an online sextortion scam. What began as a chat with someone posing as a teenage girl on TikTok quickly escalated into blackmail through Snapchat. The impersonator sent suggestive images and pressured Caleb to respond with his own, eventually threatening to leak the photos unless he paid money.
Caleb’s mother, Morgan Moore, shared that the entire situation unfolded in just 35 minutes—long enough to leave her son overwhelmed and afraid. After receiving a text from Caleb saying “It’s going to be okay,” his father found him in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, Caleb passed away at home. Investigators later confirmed the scam started on TikTok and intensified on Snapchat, prompting the FBI to open an investigation.
In response, both platforms reiterated their safety measures for teen users, but Caleb’s mother emphasized that technology alone isn’t enough. She now urges parents to have open conversations with their children about online safety, and encourages teens to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened online. “These scammers make kids believe their world is over,” she said, “but it’s not—there’s always someone who will help.”
Caleb was remembered by loved ones as kind, caring, and full of light. His former coach and daycare provider described him as gentle-hearted and deeply empathetic, someone who brightened every room he entered. As tributes continue to pour in, Caleb’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly online threats can become real-world tragedies—and how important it is to protect and listen to our children.
