Miles, Assigned Female at Birth and a Football Player in Urbandale, Iowa, Endured Years of Bullying, Misgendering, and Harassment

Miles, Assigned Female at Birth and a Football Player in Urbandale, Iowa, Endured Years of Bullying, Misgendering, and Harassment

Miles's story is a tragic call to action.

NewsAshish

November 24, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 24, 2026

Ashley Campbell alleges that her son, Miles Phipps, endured years of bullying, misgendering, and harassment before taking his own life at 15.

Miles was born female but told his parents he wanted to use he/him pronouns this January.

The story of Miles Phipps is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of bullying.

He endured years of relentless harassment for being different. He didn’t conform to traditional gender norms, preferring short hair and activities like footbal from a young age.

This led to bullying from both boys and girls who targeted him for not being “girly enough” or “boy enough.” He found a solution to this social pressure, and he came out as transgender, using he/him pronouns.

However, the bullying did not stop but only intensified. He was targeted for being trans, facing threats, public mockery, and cruelty both online and in person.

His mother describes an environment of “senseless hate” from all angles.

So-called “friends” posted videos destroying his belongings, peers harassed him on the bus and in school hallways, and strangers shouted slurs at him from cars.

Miles never fit a mold and I’m glad he never changed himself to make others more comfortable. I loved my child unconditionally. The exterior wrapper that holds his unique soul is meaningless. I loved him, not his gender. As we should love and respect all humans equally.

Ashley Campbell

Also, see: Alabama, Ragland High Parents Speak Out: Poor Teacher Conduct and Coach Bullying Are Hurting Enrollment and Student Success

A Legacy of Courage and Melody: Miles Phipps’ Light Lives On

Miles Phipps, the son of Rocky Phipps and Ashley Campbell, was born on October 21, 2010, in Urbandale, Iowa.

He was a kind, talented, and creative soul who left this world on November 4, 2026, at the age of 15. He will be forever cherished and deeply missed.

Miles was a student at Johnston Elementary School who was currently attending Urbandale High School. It was at Urbandale High that Miles found a community and a sense of belonging through the GSA Club.

He was a young man of immense drive, creativity, and authenticity. He approached life with a vibrant energy, and sitting still was never his style.

Miles had a profound love for anything with wheels, finding freedom and joy in skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking.

He was a familiar face at the local skate park and took immense pride in having completed RAGBRAI as a cherished member of the Dream Team.

Music was one of his greatest passions, and he could express emotions that words alone could not capture with his guitar. He spent countless hours composing beautiful, unique melodies that reflected his heart and imagination.

Moreover, his creative spirit also found an outlet in the kitchen, where he loved to cook and experiment. He looked forward to Comicon, cosplay, and the freedom to be himself fully.

I am shattered beyond words. Yesterday our baby took his last breath on earth, and will be forever missed. Please join us to help celebrate Miles’ life on Sunday November 9 from 6-8pm with stories, love and a candle light vigil.

Ashley Campbell

Miles was a proud transgender male who navigated the world with remarkable courage, authenticity, and grace, even in the face of adversity.

His beautiful heart revealed itself in the sweetest, often through small, thoughtful gifts he would make or find to brighten someone’s day.

He had a tender love for animals, and his beloved cat, Shevee, meant the world to him.

Miles is survived by his parents, Rocky and Ashley; sister, Aeva; step-mom, Lizzie; step-sister, Soph; grandfather, Troy; aunts, Niki, Angela, Sarah, and Jesseca; and uncles, Brandon, Asa, Dave, and Pat.

He also leaves behind a wide circle of family, friends, and his chosen family within the Dream Team, all of whom will hold his memory, his smile, and his laughter in their hearts forever.

People also viewed: Two Girls Quit Pisgah High School Basketball in Brandon, Mississippi, After Persistent Bullying and Lack of Gym Supervision

In his honor, Krysta Gattoni has created a GoFundMe to cover memorial expenses. All additional funds will be dedicated to creating a music scholarship in Miles’ name.

In partnership with Iowa Safe Schools, the family hopes to support young musicians and continue the legacy of the music that meant so much to him.

Miles made an impact far greater than his years. His legacy is one of courage, creativity, and love.

Rest In Peace, Miles Phipps.

AshishAshish

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

Related articles

Youth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother...

News

May 8, 2026

Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After...

News

May 7, 2026

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested...

News

May 6, 2026

Madison Academy Team Doctor Dr. Jack Walker...

News

May 5, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppLinkedin
    Athlete

    Bell Gardens Kids Ticketed for Riding Bikes at Ford Park, Mother Demands Answers

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 11, 20260 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...Read more Athlete

    Mortimer Jordan High School Athlete Aiden Doss Passes Away At 21 Following A Tragic Accident

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 11, 20260 Mortimer Jordan High School athlete Aiden Doss has passed away. Aiden Doss was a baseball player from Morris, Alabama, who attended Mortimer Jordan High School....Read more News

    Youth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother Steps Onto Field and Kicks Player

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 8, 20260 What was supposed to be a normal Saturday of youth football quickly became something no parent, coach, or child should ever have to witness....Read more Athlete

    Jordan Haas, A Student-Athlete At Chatham University Passed Away At The Age of 21

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 7, 20260 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...Read more News

    Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After Man Repeatedly Slaps Toddler in Public

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 7, 20260 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...Read more

    You Might Also Like