One of the survivors of the devastating 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, has died by suicide at the age of 26. Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer’s family confirmed his death on December 15, 2025, after a long struggle with mental health issues stemming from the trauma he experienced. His passing highlights the lasting emotional toll that mass violence can have on survivors and brings renewed attention to the deep, long-term effects of such tragedies.
Early Life and the Parkland Shooting
Donovan Metayer was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a gunman opened fire on February 14, 2018, killing 17 students and staff and wounding many others. Metayer survived the attack, but the horror of that day left marks that would follow him throughout his life. At the time of the shooting, most of his classmates were nearing graduation, filled with plans for college and careers. What should have been a hopeful time instead became a moment of trauma that reshaped Metayer’s future.
Struggles After the Tragedy
Following the mass shooting, Metayer began experiencing severe mental health challenges. His family later revealed that he developed schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that he battled for more than seven years. During this time, he faced repeated periods of depression, instability, and hospitalizations as he tried to cope with the psychological effects of the Parkland tragedy. Metayer’s sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, shared that her brother’s emotional struggles were profound and deeply tied to the lasting impact of the events he lived through. Despite efforts to find stability and treatment, including therapy, medication, and psychiatric care, his condition remained difficult to manage.
A Life of Promise
Before the shooting, Donovan was known as a bright, curious young man who excelled academically. Family members described him as having a quick wit and a warm personality that could light up a room. Although the tragedy altered the course of his life, he continued to pursue work and personal growth whenever possible. In the years after the shooting, he obtained an IT certification and found work in the field, demonstrating resilience and determination even as he faced ongoing internal battles. These efforts gave his loved ones hope that he might find a path forward despite the challenges he faced.
Circumstances of His Death
Metayer’s family revealed that his death was by suicide, ending his life after years of struggling with schizophrenia and trauma. They noted that he purchased a firearm after certain legal protections ended, and within a week, used it to take his own life. The family’s public statements emphasize that this was a heartbreaking consequence of both his mental health struggles and the systemic barriers many people face in obtaining consistent care and support.
Family Response and Legacy
In the wake of his death, Metayer’s family expressed profound sorrow, describing the loss of their “youngest child” as a pain that will echo through their lives forever. They have chosen to share his story publicly in hopes that others struggling with mental health issues will not suffer in silence and that more attention will be given to the needs of trauma survivors. To honor his memory, the family established a fund aimed at supporting mental health care services and raising awareness of the emotional impact of mass violence. They are also raising funds to cover funeral expenses and to help others facing similar challenges.
Broader Impact and Reflection
Metayer’s death is a stark reminder that surviving a violent event does not end the emotional and psychological consequences. His story underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health care and community support for people affected by traumatic events. It also raises questions about how survivors are supported long after the immediate news cycle has passed. If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, reaching out to a trusted professional or support network can make a critical difference.
