(PCM) Last year, we brought you the story of high school student Draven Rodriguez who made headlines and stirred up controversy with his choice to use his “laser cat” image from his high school yearbook photo. The photo went viral with many people being incredibly support of Draven’s choice to go against the norm of a regular run of the mill yearbook photo.
Tragically, the news has now been revealed that Draven appears to have ended his own life at the young age of only 17. The Rodriguez family has confirmed Draven’s death, but there has been no official word about his immediate cause of death.
According to Mashable, “Rodriguez’s quirky and unconventional photo with his cat Mr. Bigglesworth made waves back in September. And while it was not part of the regular senior portrait section, the photo was featured on principal Diane Wilkinson’s page to raise awareness for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady”.
Draven’s school initially would not allow him to submit the infamous “laser cat” photo for the yearbook and it was then that Draven decided to launch an online petition, which received thousands of signatures in support of the photos submission.
Draven’s family and friends describe him as very well-liked and well-loved by his community and they are absolutely shocked to learn about his tragic passing. Our sincere condolences go out to Draven’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.