• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Teacher beaten unconscious by student after stopping him playing video games says she's forced to live off donations

Home> News> US News

Published 11:09 16 Nov 2023 GMT

Teacher beaten unconscious by student after stopping him playing video games says she's forced to live off donations

She said her whole life has been 'turned upside down'.

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

Several months on from being attacked, Joan Naydich says she remains on unpaid leave.

In February, Naydich was brutally attacked and beaten unconscious by 270lb student Brendan Depa.

Naydich had stopped the then 17-year-old from playing his Nintendo Switch in class, sparking him to attack her.

Harrowing footage of the ordeal at Florida-based Matanzas High School shows Depa throwing Naydich to the ground and punching her back and head.

Advert

While being dragged away from her, the teenager continued to try and kick her.

Depa was arrested following the ordeal and has since pleaded guilty to first-degree felony charge of aggravated battery.

His sentence will be determined by Judge Terrence Perkins at a hearing in January.

He faces up to 30 years in prison - something which Naydich is said to want for the teen.

Advert

Speaking about the physical and financial issues she's faced since the incident, Naydich told Fox 35: "I was attacked on February 21st and I feel like I'm just constantly being attacked."

The attack took place in school earlier this year.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office

She went on to say that she's 'totally different person now' and that her life has been 'turned upside down'.

"Unfortunately, a lot of my injuries that are not visible I'm going to have for the rest of my life," Naydich added.

Advert

In regards to her finances, Naydich told the outlet that she’s been struggling to get her workers' compensation case resolved.

She returned to work in August under a different title, but a couple of days later she claims to have been put on unpaid leave.

Naydich says she's now living off kind-hearted people's donations while she tries to find another source of income.

Joan Nayditch is a mum-of-two.
GoFundMe

Advert

At the time of writing, over $117,000 has been raised for the teacher.

The GoFundMe page was set up by Naydich's friend.

She penned on the page: "My name is Jessica and I've had the privilege of getting to know Joan through our kids' bowling team for Matanzas HS for the last six years!

"February 21, 2023, Joan was brutally attacked by a student as she tried to leave a classroom. The video has gone viral so I'm sure you've seen or heard about it!

Advert

"Joan is a mom of two! Her son is a senior and her daughter graduated from Matanzas HS in 2013.

"She's been working two jobs to care for her family. Her heart is huge in all she does for others!"

Her friend went on to label Naydich as 'humble' and 'never asks for help'.

Flagler County School District has been approached for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Joan Nayditch/ Florida County Sheriff’s Office

Topics: News, US News, School, Crime

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Student breaks silence after beating teacher unconscious when she stopped him playing Nintendo Switch
  • Teacher beaten unconscious by student after stopping him playing Nintendo Switch opens up about terrifying ordeal
  • Child of man who killed his son's rapist live on TV reveals shocking new details about the murder
  • Teacher fired from school after calling student by different name 'without permission'

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • 4 hours ago

    Woman who only ate beef for 8 years explains shocking physical and mental impact it had on her

    After 25 years of uncertainty around why she was experiencing severe autoimmune responses, Mikhaila Peterson tried 'the lion diet'

    News
  • 5 hours ago

    Forensic team digs for remains of nearly 800 babies at former ‘mother and baby home’

    It is believed the infants were dumped into a septic tank referred to as 'the pit'

    News
  • 5 hours ago

    Billionaire Sunjay Kapur, 53, dies suddenly as tragic final words revealed

    The 53-year-old billionaire collapsed suddenly while playing polo

    News
  • 6 hours ago

    US Air Force just dropped a chilling 246-character nuclear code broadcast and the reason is still unclear

    A 20-minute transmission that is typically used to broadcast emergency messages to military personnel has been intercepted

    News