Parents Sue School Board Over 11-Year-Old Son’s Tragic Suicide, Citing Teacher’s Bullying
Two years after the heartbreaking loss of their son, Louis “LJ” Johnson III, his parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Florida. The grieving family alleges that school officials failed to act despite multiple warnings about a fifth-grade teacher, Donna (or Dawn) White, who they claim subjected LJ to relentless verbal abuse.
According to the lawsuit, the teacher repeatedly called LJ “stupid” in front of his peers and encouraged classmates to mock him—a pattern of bullying that the Johnsons say triggered severe anxiety, depression, and ultimately led to LJ taking his own life on April 27, 2023.
A subsequent internal investigation revealed that 24 other students also reported similar mistreatment by the same teacher. While her contract was ultimately not renewed, the Johnsons say it was too little, too late.
Now seeking a jury trial for negligence, the family has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise awareness about the devastating impact of adult bullying on children. They remember LJ as a warm-hearted, compassionate boy who loved the beach, experimenting with TikTok recipes, and helping those in need.