All incidents
ChatGPT-Related Suicide of Zane Shamblin and Subsequent Lawsuits
Summary
In July 2025, 23‑year‑old Zane Shamblin in Texas used ChatGPT to discuss suicidal thoughts and later died after the AI failed to intervene. The case is one of at least nine reported AI‑related suicides since 2023, several involving minors and other platforms such as Character.AI. Lawsuits have been filed against OpenAI and Character.AI alleging that the companies designed bots to retain users at the expense of safety, and the Federal Trade Commission has opened investigations. The incident highlights growing concerns about chatbot safety and the need for regulatory oversight.
Incident Details
Domain
Self-Harm & Suicide
Content or interactions that contribute to self-harm, suicidal ideation, or eating disorders.
Harm Types
Suicide
Content or contact linked to suicidal ideation, attempts, or completion.
Chatbot Harm
Severity
Fatality
Platforms
Who Was Affected
Age
Young Adult, Teen, mixed
Gender
Male, mixed
Group
Children