Panel Discusses Bryce Tate Tragedy at WV Dept. of Ed. Conference

Adam Tate, Anchor Tim Irr and law enforcement share story for awareness and prevention of growing crime.

WHAT: Panel: Online Dangers Targeting Children - The Bryce Tate Story

WHEN: SAIL Conference: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Noon

WHERE: Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, West Virginia 25301

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will host an important panel discussion during its SAIL (Support, Appreciate, Invest and Learn) Conference this week. Adam Tate will share the tragedy of his son, Bryce Tate, who died by suicide after being targeted in an online sextortion scheme.

Bryce Tate was a well-loved athlete and honor student at Nitro High School in Kanawha County. In November 2025, criminals contacted him via cell phone and demanded money from him as part of their sextortion ploy. He died within hours of the initial contact. While this tragedy devastated his family and community, Adam Tate and his wife, Amanda, have made it their mission to prevent others from suffering as they have.

Tim Irr, news anchor at WSAZ Television, has reported extensively on this issue and will facilitate the panel. Sergeant Jeremy Burns, Public Information Officer for the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, will join Irr and Tate to share important information with educators about this disturbing and growing trend.

As part of the panel, Tate will not only share his story, but he and other panelists will also alert attendees about the increased incidents targeting children in our area. The panel discussion aims to raise awareness among educators and others who work with children.

Additionally, the family has established the Bryce Tate Foundation to prevent child exploitation.

View the complete SAIL schedule.