The family of a 13-year-old from Pennsylvania who died in August is now speaking out about what led to his death — and is sending a precaution to other families.

The family said in a post on Friday that Levi Maciejewski, son of Shippensburg University head football coach Mark Maciejewski, had been the victim of “sextortion,” which ultimately led to his death.

“Levi’s death was the result of a heinous and rapidly growing crime known as ‘sextortion.’ An online predator coerced, threatened, and blackmailed him, leading to devastating consequences,” according to the statement.

The Cumberland County District Attorney’s office confirmed that Maciejewski’s death on Aug. 20 is being investigated as a homicide due to the circumstances of his passing. Because of the complexity of the case, no other details could be released.

The statement from the family continued, saying that authorities are in the process of trying to identify the person responsible for threatening and blackmailing their child.

“We were an ordinary family with typical teenage kids, and our lives have been irreparably changed by this unfathomable crime,” according to the statement.

Maciejewski in the statement was described as a light to the lives of everyone who encountered him.

“Now, we are a grieving family trying to find our way without Levi. He was a loving, confident, spirited 13-year-old boy who brightened the lives of everyone who knew him. Levi deserves to be remembered and honored for the incredible person he was.”

The family also said they hope Maciejewski’s death can bring awareness to the dangers of cases like his.

“Technology has made the world more connected than ever, but it has also opened doors to the predators lurking behind screens. It is critical that we educate ourselves and our children about the hidden dangers of a digital lifestyle. Awareness and education are vital to protecting our loved ones and confronting this growing threat.”

The district attorney said any victims of sextortion or people who are aware of sextortion taking place can contact the DA’s office or call authorities for help.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also has a page dedicated to sextortion reports and has a hotline to report any known cases ( 1-800-THE-LOST).

The FBI has not responded to a request for comment.

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