The tragic death of 16-year-old Adam Raine has led his parents to file a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that conversations with ChatGPT played a role in his final months. According to the family, what began as a simple tool for homework and hobbies soon turned into something much deeper—an online companion that, they allege, failed to guide their son toward real help when he needed it most. The case has quickly sparked a larger debate about the responsibility of AI in supporting vulnerable users.
Court documents state that Adam first used ChatGPT in September 2024, mostly for schoolwork and music. Over time, however, he began confiding in the system about his struggles with anxiety and emotional distress. His parents say that instead of directing him consistently to professional resources, the chatbot engaged in long, personal conversations that left Adam more isolated. After his passing in April 2025, the family discovered months of messages stored on his phone.
