An 11-year-old Florida boy tragically died by suicide after allegedly enduring months of bullying by his fifth-grade teacher, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his parents.
Louis Johnson died on April 27, 2023, after using a firearm to take his own life. The lawsuit, reviewed by Mail Online, alleges that his former teacher, identified as Donna White, repeatedly humiliated him in front of classmates—often calling him “stupid”—and encouraged other students to join in the ridicule.
According to the lawsuit, Johnson felt trapped in a cycle of “daily public humiliation” that left him with no sense of escape. The legal complaint accuses White of engaging in a “systematic and chronic pattern of bullying” through repeated verbal abuse and public embarrassment, violating both school policy and professional conduct standards.
Johnson’s parents are seeking $75,000 in damages to cover funeral expenses, attorney’s fees, and compensation for their emotional suffering. They have also requested a jury trial.
The tragedy unfolded after Johnson’s father took him to work for the day. Upon returning home, he placed several items—including a 9mm handgun—on the counter.
According to the father, the firearm was typically secured in a safe, but he briefly stepped outside, during which time Louis accessed the weapon and fatally shot himself. He was rushed to the hospital but died two days later.
In the wake of his death, the family distributed “Suicide Prevention” flyers naming the teacher, though she is referred to only as “Donna White” or “Ms. White” in the lawsuit.
Following an internal investigation, the Marion County School Board opted not to renew White’s contract. Officials determined her conduct had violated the district’s anti-harassment policies as well as multiple provisions of the state’s professional code of ethics for educators.
She was initially placed on a five-day suspension during the investigation. School records show she had previously received a verbal reprimand for an unrelated incident.
The case has sparked renewed calls for stronger protections against bullying in schools, especially when the alleged abuse comes from authority figures.
