Family: Schenectady Teen Who Gained Internet Fame Over Laser Cat Photo Commits Suicide

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An upstate teen -- who had a burst of fame last fall over his senior portrait depicting him, his cat and lasers -- has died.

Draven Rodriguez's parents told the Times-Union of Albany their son committed suicide Thursday at their Schenectady home. He was 17.

Rodriguez had wanted his senior yearbook portrait to show him holding his cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, with lasers in the background. He posted the photo online, and it went viral.

The school denied his request but said the photo could appear somewhere in the Schenectady High School yearbook. Principal Diane Wilkinson got in on the act and posed similarly with her Chihuahua. The portraits were to appear on the principal's yearbook page to raise awareness for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and rescue animals.

A spokesperson for the Schenectady City School District would not comment on Rodriguez's death but told CBS affiliate WRGB-TV in Albany that grief counselors would be available for students on Sunday afternoon at the high school.

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