Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe
Topics: News, School, US News, Florida, Mental Health
Gerrard Kaonga
Two years ago, a tween boy from Florida took his own life, and his parents are now suing the school board for negligence.
Louis Johnson III (LJ) was just 11 when he died by suicide on April 27, 2023, and his parents have complained that he was bullied by his fifth grade teacher.
The child’s parents, Tyka Johnson and Louis Johnson Jr., have now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Ocala, Florida, as of April 21, 2025.
In court documents obtained and reviewed by PEOPLE, the Johnsons also alleged that they took their concerns of bullying to the school board, but that the board did not have an adequate response.
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The parents added that this ultimately resulted in their son suffering from depression and anxiety before he took his own life.
The lawsuit names the alleged ‘bullying’ teacher as Donna White, however, school records list her name as Dawn, a teacher at Legacy Elementary in Ocala.
In the filing, LJ’s parents allege that White ‘constantly, consistently and relentlessly publicly humiliated minor child [LJ] in front of his peers, calling him "stupid" and ridiculing him in front of his classmates on several occasions over the span of months’.
It also stated that White would ‘recruit other students to ridicule' LJ and urge them to agree with comments that LJ was 'stupid' and 'didn't know anything'.
The parents called for a trial by jury ‘as to all issues triable as a matter of right to a jury’.
Not long after LJ’s death, they took action by handing ‘suicide prevention’ flyers at the school and eventually, the school confirmed that they had launched an investigation into White’s behavior.
During the investigation, 24 students, 12 of whom were White’s pupils, came forward to claim that the teacher’s comments would sometimes make some cry and she would openly mock children about their grades, openly discussing them to the classroom.
The findings of the investigation resulted in White’s contract not being renewed.
Following his death, LJ’s family launched a GoFundMe page and praised the young and loved ‘son, brother, uncle and friend’.
In the GoFundMe page, White is again accused of bullying LJ.
It reads: " LJ was the youngest of four and so full of potential and promise. He loved the beach, catching crabs, making TikTok recipes and was a huge advocate for the homeless. If he saw a homeless person, he immediately said 'dad, we gotta pray for that person'. Since moving to Florida, LJ battled with bullying. He gave up his fight and took his own life on 4/27/2023.
“As a family we are devastated! He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend. For those of you who knew him, you were the lucky ones. He would light up any room with his infectious smile. Through this page we not only want to give LJ the voice he deserves, but to bring awareness to suicide as a result of adult bullying against children.
"Such a permanent decision, influenced by a trusted adult, that has altered the lives of many, As we come together to honor his memory, we ask for your support in raising funds to help ease the financial burden that has been placed upon our family.”
UNILAD has contacted the Marion County School Board for comment.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.