http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/laser-cat-teen-dies-apparent-suicide-report-article-1.2123950
A New York teen who became an Internet sensation for a "laser cat" yearbook photo died in an apparent suicide Thursday night, according to a report.
Schenectady High School senior Draven Rodriguez, 17, took his own life in his home, authorities told the Daily Gazette.
His parents said Rodriguez was a popular kid.
"He made friends wherever he went," Rodriguez's father, Jonathan Stewart, told the Times Union. "He had friends all over the country people he'd met at youth-leadership conferences, online, just around town."
Rodriquez made headlines nationwide this fall after he petitioned his high school to allow him to appear in the yearbook with his cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, in front of a blue and pink laser background.
"This is my last year in high school," he told The News in September. "If I'm going to leave behind something, I wanted it to have a little personality behind it."
His petition garnered thousands of signatures online as the school initially refused.
Draven Rodriguez, a student at Schenectady High School, petitioned to have a unique photo included in the yearbook for his senior portrait. Vincent Giordano Draven Rodriguez, a student at Schenectady High School, petitioned to have a unique photo included in the yearbook for his senior portrait.
His principal, Diane Wilkinson, decided to stand by his side literally, by posing with her Chihuahua, Vivian, in a picture with Rodriguez. The pet owners wore matching outfits and struck the same pose.
The picture was supposed to appear on WIlkinsons yearbook page with a message about animal rescues.
Rodriquez funneled his notoriety to raise money for his local ASPCA. His cat was rescued from an animal shelter.
He was honored with an award for his work with animals at the Capital Region Feline Film and Video Festival in October.
Rodriquez also worked with the founder of the How to UnMake a Bully program.
Rodriguez is survived by his mother, his father, his 11-year-old sister and a stepfather.
