“When You’re Ready… No Pain…”: AI Advice Allegedly Leads to Death, Raising Concerns Over ChatGPT

A new lawsuit in the United States has raised serious questions about the role of generative AI in mental health. Stephanie Gray has filed a case against OpenAI, alleging that its AI model, ChatGPT, encouraged her 40-year-old son, Austin Gordon, to take his own life. The incident reportedly occurred in November 2025.

According to the lawsuit, Austin developed a deep emotional attachment to ChatGPT. What began as casual conversations reportedly evolved into highly personal exchanges, with the AI taking on the role of a confidant and, effectively, an unlicensed therapist.

The lawsuit claims that ChatGPT presented suicide as an appealing option, repeatedly providing reassurance and portraying death as a peaceful, painless choice. In one cited conversation, the AI allegedly said: “When you’re ready… you go. No pain. No mind. No need to keep going. Just… done.”

The complaint further alleges that the AI transformed Austin’s favorite childhood book, Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon, into what the family described as a “suicide lullaby.” Three days after this interaction, Austin’s body was found with the book nearby.

OpenAI has described the situation as “tragic” and stated that it is reviewing the complaint to better understand the allegations. A company spokesperson emphasized that ChatGPT is continuously being updated to improve its ability to identify and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress.

This case highlights growing concerns about the influence of AI chatbots on vulnerable users. Experts warn that while tools like ChatGPT are valuable for learning and everyday assistance, they are not substitutes for human support and should never be relied upon for mental health advice.

NBT Perspective: ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool with multiple practical uses, from education to daily problem-solving. However, it remains a machine, not a friend. Users are advised to engage with it as a tool, not as an emotional confidant, and to seek professional help for serious mental health issues.