11-year-old boy dies by su!cide after alleged bullying by teacher who called him ‘stup!d’

A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked Marion County, Florida, where an 11-year-old boy took his own life after allegedly suffering months of public humiliation and bullying by his fifth-grade teacher, Donna White. The case has led to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the boy’s parents against both the teacher and the school district.

Louis Johnson, a fifth grader, fatally shot himself on April 27, 2023, using a firearm left temporarily unsecured by his father. He was rushed to the hospital but sadly died two days later, on April 29.

According to a lawsuit obtained by Mail Online, Johnson endured “a chronic pattern of bullying” from White, who allegedly:

Repeatedly called him “stupid” in class

Encouraged other students to mock him

Subjected him to daily public humiliation

The lawsuit accuses White of a “notorious and protected pattern of bullying”, stating that Louis felt hopeless and emotionally distressed, believing there was no escape from the abuse. The complaint further claims the school district failed to intervene despite being aware of the teacher’s conduct.

Louis’s father told detectives he had brought his son to work that day and left his 9mm handgun on the counter upon returning home. He normally stores the weapon in a locked safe but had stepped outside to check on his truck. In that short time, Louis accessed the firearm and shot himself.

Following the incident and mounting pressure from the community, the Marion County School District launched an internal investigation. According to the Ocala StarBanner, the district chose not to renew White’s contract, citing violations of:

The anti-harassment policy

Two counts under the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession

White had previously been issued a verbal reprimand for a separate matter unrelated to students. She was also suspended for five days during the initial investigation into Louis’s case.

Louis’s parents are suing for $75,000 in damages, including:

Funeral expenses

Attorney’s fees

Compensation for mental pain and suffering

They are also demanding a jury trial, asserting that the district’s failure to address the bullying cost their son his life.

Shortly after his death, the Johnson family circulated “Suicide Prevention” flyers in the community. These materials outlined the circumstances surrounding Louis’s death and named the teacher as “Dawn White,” although the lawsuit refers to her as Donna White.