The family of an American man who was tragically encouraged to take his own life by a twisted online group have praised a 'true English friend' who helped uncover the truth.
Background of the Case
Dylan Phelan, 21, from Morley, West Yorkshire, was part of an online group that repeatedly goaded Travis Dyer, also 21, to shoot himself in Louisiana in October 2024. Phelan admitted to encouraging suicide, making an indecent image, and possessing extreme pornography. He has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison.
The court heard that in the lead-up to his death, Dyer had carved Phelan's name into his body. On October 24, 2024, Dyer was on a video call with Phelan and two others, known as Mads and Rob. Phelan encouraged him multiple times to pull the trigger and laughed when he finally did.
Discovery and Legal Proceedings
Phelan kept a recording of the suicide on his computer. Months later, he told a female acquaintance about what happened. Horrified, she informed Phelan's mother, who then took him to Elland Road police station in Leeds last March, where he confessed to his involvement.
Travis Dyer's family provided a Victim Personal Statement to the court, praising the woman's actions. They stated: "We recognise that the defendant was part of a group. This 'group-think' turned a digital space into a hunting ground. In stark contrast, we want the Court to know that Travis did have a true online friend in England who shared games and laughter with him. It was this true friend who did the research to find our family and tell us the truth. This proves that the digital world can be a place of light, making the defendant’s choice to use it for darkness even more egregious."
Court Details and Sentencing
Andrew Pettersen, prosecuting, said Phelan joined an online community on the messaging app Discord where people shared thoughts about their mental health, but it was not a support group. Police also found an indecent image and extreme pornography on Phelan's devices.
Mr Justice Cotter, sentencing at Leeds Crown Court, said Phelan was motivated by "morbid curiosity" and that Mr Dyer, who was struggling with his mental health, needed help and support. The judge told him: "You wanted to feel like you had control over the actions of another. You showed no respect for the life of Travis Dyer."
The court was told that Dyer had suffered a series of tragic losses, including losing his mother and sister to drowning. His great-grandmother Vivian Mahoney, who followed proceedings from the US via videolink, said in a victim statement: "Travis Dyer was a shy, smart and resilient young man who survived more tragedy than most endure in a century. He was deeply adored and had a bright future ahead of him. That future was stolen."
Mr Justice Cotter said Dyer had been a victim of a "campaign of cruelty during which he was groomed to take his own life", including being encouraged to spend all his money on drink and drugs. The judge noted that Dyer hesitated before killing himself, but the others persisted in encouraging him.
Family's Tribute and Judge's Appeal
Dyer's family said that Phelan did not act alone and that "this group-think turned a digital space into a hunting ground." They also paid tribute: "Travis Dyer was a shy, smart, and resilient boy who survived more tragedy in his young life than most do in a century. He had a job, a little family left, and a mountain waiting for him. That future was stolen. We hope our words ensure Travis is remembered as the deeply loved son, grandson, and nephew he was."
In an unusual move, the judge urged anyone with information to contact US authorities if they knew the others involved. He said one of them in particular "was a very real danger to vulnerable people online, having boasted of being a sociopath and in being involved in a number of suicides."
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
