Parkland school shooting survivor Donovan Metayer dies by suicide at 26

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, has died at age 26, his family said.

Donovan Metayer’s Family Confirms Death After Long Mental Health Struggle

Donovan’s sister announced his death in a Facebook post and said he died by suicide on Dec. 15 after a seven‑year battle with schizophrenia.

Metayer lived in Coral Springs and worked in information technology. He was a senior at the school when a gunman killed 17 people and injured 17 others on Feb. 14, 2018. His family said the trauma of that day marked the beginning of a long and painful decline in his mental health.

Donovan Metayer’s Family Shares Tribute and Details of His Struggles

On a GoFundMe page created to support funeral costs and future mental‑health initiatives, the family described Metayer as the youngest of four children. Affectionately known as “Donny”, they remembered him as a “bright, curious child with a sharp sense of humor” and a warm personality.

The family wrote that the shooting left him carrying “unimaginable sorrow.” They said he battled depression, guilt, and long periods of isolation in the years that followed. Although he dreamed of studying computer science, his worsening symptoms made those goals difficult to reach.

His family said he received therapy, medication, and multiple hospitalizations for suicidal ideation. In 2021, he was placed under Florida’s Baker Act for crisis stabilization, which temporarily restricted his ability to purchase a firearm.

Treatment, Progress and Setbacks

Metayer later received care with a private psychiatrist at Henderson Clinic. His family said those providers offered stability and hope. With their support, he earned an IT certificate and joined Office Depot in Coral Springs, where he was promoted quickly.

The family said his progress brought them pride. However, his Risk Protection Order, which prevented him from buying a firearm, expired earlier this month. After the order lapsed, he legally purchased a handgun. One week later, he died at home.

Donovan Metayer’s Family Calls for Awareness and Action

Metayer’s family said his death highlights the ongoing mental‑health crisis facing young people and the lasting impact of gun violence. They said they chose to speak openly about his struggles to help other families avoid suffering in silence.

His sister thanked the community for its support and said the family plans to use part of the GoFundMe donations to create a fund at Henderson Behavioral Health. The fund will support care, housing, and resources for people with behavioral‑health needs across Florida.

“Though Donny’s life was brief, his impact will be everlasting,” the family wrote.

Funeral Arrangements and Fundraising Efforts

A visitation and funeral service will be held Jan. 3 in Coral Springs.

To learn how to donate, visit the official GoFundMe page.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, substance‑use concerns, or mental‑health challenges, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.

If you prefer text‑based help, you can text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741‑741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.