Florida Parents File Lawsuit After 10-Year-Old Boy Dies by Suicide, Allegedly Bullied by Teacher
OCALA, Fla. — Grieving parents in Florida are seeking justice nearly two years after the tragic death of their 10-year-old son, Louis Johnson, who died by suicide in 2023. On Monday, the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board, alleging that persistent bullying by a fifth-grade teacher directly contributed to their son’s death.
According to the lawsuit, Johnson, a student at Legacy Elementary School, was subjected to ongoing verbal abuse by his teacher, identified as Dawn White in most records, though the lawsuit refers to her as Donna White. The complaint accuses White of creating a hostile and emotionally damaging environment that ultimately led to Louis’s depression, anxiety, and untimely death.
Allegations of Bullying and Neglect
The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of life inside White’s classroom, alleging that the teacher routinely belittled Louis, calling him “stupid” and telling him in front of classmates that he “didn’t know anything.” In one reported incident, White allegedly said:
“I don’t know why you’re talking because you don’t even know anything. You don’t know nothing in this class. Isn’t that right, kids?”
— prompting laughter and further isolation for the young boy.
An internal investigative report conducted by the school district in 2023 supports many of these claims. More than two dozen student witnesses were interviewed, including 12 students who shared a classroom with Louis. They testified that White frequently lost her temper, publicly criticized students for wrong answers, and sometimes made children cry. Students described her as “scary,” and said she would announce grades in front of the class to shame those who were struggling.
Louis’s parents said they repeatedly voiced concerns to school officials about White’s behavior but claim their warnings were ignored. Despite complaints from multiple families, the lawsuit asserts that the school board and administrators failed to take any corrective action that might have protected Louis and other students.
Aftermath and Fallout
Following Louis’s death, his parents visited the school to distribute suicide prevention flyers that detailed their allegations against White. Their message was clear: the tragedy might have been preventable if their concerns had been addressed.
The 2023 investigative findings ultimately led the Marion County School Board to not renew White’s teaching contract. However, the family argues that this action came too late to save their son.
“The failure to act on known issues of emotional abuse in the classroom cost Louis his life,” the lawsuit alleges.
A Broader Call for Accountability
The heartbreaking case has reignited conversations about bullying, not just among students but by authority figures within educational institutions. Experts warn that verbal and emotional abuse by teachers can have profound and lasting psychological impacts on young children.
While White has not commented publicly on the allegations, the case is expected to bring renewed scrutiny to the responsibilities of educators and school boards to create safe learning environments.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for emotional suffering, pain, and wrongful death, as well as systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
Community Support and Mental Health Resources
In the wake of Louis’s death, mental health advocates are urging families to speak openly about bullying and emotional struggles.
Anyone in need of support can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 to connect with a trained counselor 24/7.
As the case moves through the legal system, Louis Johnson’s parents remain steadfast in their mission: to seek justice for their son and to ensure that no other family endures the same heartbreak.