Donovan Metayer, one of the survivors of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida, has died by suicide at the age of 26, his family has revealed. Metayer’s death highlights the lingering impact of trauma and the ongoing challenges many survivors face with mental health long after mass violence.
Tragic Loss After Years of Struggle
Metayer, a resident of Coral Springs, Florida, was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a gunman opened fire on February 14, 2018, killing 17 students and staff members. Years after surviving the attack, he grappled with worsening psychological distress that ultimately led to his death by suicide on December 15, 2025.
His sister shared that Donovan battled schizophrenia and intense emotional pain for seven years, navigating depression, guilt and isolation in the aftermath of the shooting. Despite treatment efforts, including therapy, medication and support from mental health professionals, his struggles continued throughout young adulthood.
A Life Marked by Trauma and Determination
Known affectionately as “Donny,” Metayer was remembered as a bright, curious young man with a warm personality. His family shared that he excelled academically before the shooting and dreamed of a future in computer science. However, coping with profound psychological effects following the tragedy made those aspirations difficult to achieve.
Over the years, he experienced multiple hospitalizations and periods of crisis. Treatment under Florida’s Baker Act in 2021 led to a temporary order that barred him from purchasing a firearm, though that restriction later expired. His family said Metayer had begun rebuilding his life with renewed hope — earning an IT certificate and securing employment — before his sudden death.
Family Launches Fundraiser to Support Mental Health Care
To honor Donovan’s memory, his family has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral costs and establish a fund dedicated to expanding access to mental health services for others facing similar challenges. They hope his story will encourage more open conversations about trauma and encourage people to seek help.
Donovan’s funeral arrangements and visitation are planned for early January, and his family continues to urge others to prioritize emotional well-being and support for survivors of violence.
