Florida Parents Sue School Board After 10-Year-Old Son Dies by Suicide Following Alleged Bullying by Teacher

A 10-year-old boy in Florida died by suicide after his parents say he was bullied by his teacher, according to a lawsuit.

A 10-year-old boy from Marion County, Florida, died by suicide after enduring months of alleged verbal abuse and public humiliation at the hands of his fifth-grade teacher, according to a newly filed lawsuit.

Louis Johnson III, described as a joyful and curious child, died in April 2023 following what his parents say was persistent bullying inflicted by his teacher, Dawn White, at a local elementary school. His parents, Tyka and Louis Johnson, have filed a lawsuit against the Marion County School Board, seeking at least $75,000 in damages and claiming the district’s negligence played a direct role in their son’s death.

The lawsuit alleges that White chronically subjected Louis to psychological distress by verbally insulting, mocking, and humiliating him in front of his classmates. According to the complaint, White fostered a “hostile educational environment” by encouraging other students to ridicule him, referring to him as “stupid” and singling him out repeatedly in class.

An internal investigation conducted by the school district in July 2023 substantiated claims of misconduct, concluding that White inflicted psychological harm on multiple students. She was suspended for five days and her contract was not renewed for the following academic year.

Legacy Elementary School in Ocala, Fla

The Johnsons claim they had warned the school and the school board about White’s behavior prior to their son’s death, but no action was taken to protect him. The lawsuit describes White’s behavior as a “protected pattern of bullying,” stating that Louis “felt like there was no escaping the incessant and daily public humiliation.”

Originally from Virginia, Louis had only recently relocated with his family to Ocala, Florida. His parents reported that he had been happy and well-adjusted before the move, but began showing signs of distress—including declining grades and emotional instability—after enrolling in the new school.

In a tribute shared online, the Johnson family remembered Louis as “the youngest of four and so full of potential and promise.” They recalled his love for the beach, catching crabs, and recreating recipes from TikTok, describing him as a child who “would light up any room with his infectious smile.”

The lawsuit further alleges that White’s abuse led to Louis developing depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and nightmares—symptoms that escalated in the months leading to his death. One alleged incident involved White telling him in front of the class: “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?”

In the wake of his death, the Johnsons distributed flyers around the school to raise awareness of White’s alleged actions and hold the school accountable. The lawsuit seeks justice for what the family describes as a preventable tragedy rooted in institutional failure.