The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible extortion attempt following a teen’s death last week, it announced on Facebook.
Deputies were called to an Marquette Township residence for the apparent suicide of a 17 year old male around 7:40 a.m. Friday.
It is believed the victim was being extorted through Instagram over pictures that he had taken of himself, according to the sheriff’s office.
Jordan was put under extreme pressure by the perpetrator to pay money in exchange for the pictures not being sent to his family and Instagram followers, investigators said.
It all reportedly unfolded in less than six hours.
While the sheriff’s office does not typically release information on suicides, it and the victim’s family said they hope the tragedy will help others and raise awareness about internet safety.
Anyone or a loved one who is in crisis is asked to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. The phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The incident remains under investigation.