Survivor of Parkland School shooting takes his own life aged 26 after carrying 'unimaginable sorrow'

Warning: This article contains discussion of gun violence and suicide that some readers may find distressing.

Donovan Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has died at the age of 26, his family have confirmed.

The Floridian was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland when former pupil, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, opened fire, killing 17, and injuring 18. Considered to have orchestrated the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in US history, Cruz was sentenced to life behind bars without parole in November 2022.

Following the Parkland attack, Metayer carried ‘unimaginable sorrow’ and was dealing with severe mental health issues, including ‘depression, guilt, emotional instability, and long periods of isolation’, as per his family.

“Though he had dreamt of college and a future in computer science, his worsening mental health made those dreams difficult to reach," his family stated, via GoFundMe.

Donovan Metayer was a senior when Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (GoFundMe)

"Over the years that followed, he would be hospitalized multiple times for suicidal ideation. Like so many young people, he struggled to accept a mental health diagnosis.”

Metayer was diagnosed with schizophrenia seven years ago, and took his own life on December 15, as confirmed by his sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen.

“The loss of our family’s youngest child is a sorrow beyond words—one that will echo through our lives, forever,” the GoFundMe page reads.

“Yet even in our grief, we are choosing to speak Donovan’s truth, so that other families do not have to suffer in silence the way we have.”

The family said that after the Parkland shooting, their son ‘masked his pain’ so it would not burden his family.

In 2021, he experienced a mental health episode, resulting in Florida’s Mental Health Act being initiated. He was temporarily barred from purchasing a firearm at this time.

The man's family confirmed he was diagnosed with schizophrenia seven years ago (GoFundMe)

Eventually the family became involved with the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic, which offered ‘guidance, compassion, and hope for his future’.

"With their support, Donny began to heal, earning an IT certificate and joining the team at Office Depot in Coral Springs, where he was quickly promoted," the family commented.

"After years of challenges, he was beginning to carve out a sense of independence and a future he could believe in. His progress was a source of immense pride for our family.”

Earlier this month, Metayer learned that his Risk Protection Order had lapsed, meaning he was able to purchase a firearm.

"A week later, he would use that same handgun to take his own life in our family home," they stated.

"Donny’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the mental health crisis plaguing our youth and the lasting trauma of gun violence on our community.

The family of the Parkland School shooting survivor are setting up a mental health fund in his honor (GoFundMe)

"As we grieve his loss, we are breaking the code of silence in his memory.”

In lieu of calls, messages, or flowers, Matayer’s sister has asked supporters ‘consider a donation of any amount’ to support a mental health fund in her brother’s name.

“This fund will expand access to mental health services and support for individuals and families who need it most,” she reasoned. “Your generosity, compassion, and continued support mean more than words can express during this time.”

This fund will be endowed at the Henderson Clinic, as per the GoFundMe page.

Any donations will be used to ‘provide healthcare, housing, and hope for people of all ages with behavioral health conditions throughout Florida’.

At the time of writing, Metayer’s GoFundMe page has raised $36,331 of its $70,000 target.

If you would like to donate, you can click here.

If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.

Anyone struggling or in a mental health crisis can receive help through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

For mental health assistance, 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.