Student who posed with his cat for yearbook photo commits suicide

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- A New York high school senior whose rejected yearbook portrait went viral last year committed suicide this week, his parents told a local newspaper.

The Albany Times Union reported Saturday that Draven Rodriguez, 17, died Thursday at his home. Another local newspaper, The Daily Gazette, also reported Rodriguez's death Saturday, citing authorities.

Rodriguez rose to Internet fame after posing with his cat, Mr. Bugglesworth, last September for a yearbook photo. Schenectady High School refused to let him use it but later compromised, according to CBS affiliate WRGB-TV in Albany.

Photographer Vincent Giordano created a composite image of Rodriguez and his cat along with Principal Diane Wilkinson holding her Chihuahua, Vivienne. The photo was set to be printed on the principal's yearbook page to raise awareness for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and rescue animals.

The teenager's family requested privacy. A spokesperson for the Schenectady school district would not comment on Rodriguez's death but told WRGB grief counselors would be available for students on Sunday afternoon at the high school.

Giordano released a statement that said, "Our condolences go out to Draven's family. We are heartbroken by the news."