Coral Springs, Florida — Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the tragic 2018 Parkland school shooting, has died by suicide at the age of 26. His family announced the news, sharing details of his struggles with mental health that persisted for several years following the incident that claimed the lives of 17 individuals.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on social media, his sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, revealed that Donovan battled schizophrenia for seven years before his death on December 15. The family expressed profound sorrow over the loss of their youngest member, describing it as a grief that will resonate throughout their lives.
At the time of the shooting, Donovan was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The trauma he experienced that day, when a gunman opened fire, profoundly affected his mental well-being, contributing to ongoing struggles with depression, guilt, and emotional instability. “He carried unimaginable sorrow,” his family shared, noting that this burden replaced the vibrant young man they once knew.
Throughout his life, Donovan sought treatment to manage his mental health challenges, including medication and therapy. Despite his efforts and the support from family and professionals, he experienced several mental health crises. One instance in 2021 led to involuntary treatment, temporarily restricting his access to firearms under the Baker Act, a law allowing for involuntary confinement for mental health evaluation.
His family highlighted how Donovan often concealed his struggles to avoid burdening his loved ones. They noted the complexities many face in accessing mental health resources, particularly as systemic barriers can serve as significant obstacles for marginalized communities. After difficult years, Donovan found support through Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic, which was instrumental in his recovery.
With renewed hope, he earned an IT certificate and secured a job at Office Depot, where he achieved a promotion. His family felt immense pride at this progress, believing he was finally carving out a hopeful future. Unfortunately, in early December, Donovan’s Risk Protection Order, which had previously barred him from purchasing a firearm, expired. Just a week later, he purchased a handgun.
Tragically, Donovan took his life using that firearm, an event that his family described as a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing mental health crisis affecting youth and the trauma inflicted by gun violence in communities. They shared their loss with the hope of ending the silence surrounding these issues, advocating for a culture where families can openly discuss mental health challenges.
In an effort to honor Donovan’s memory, his family has established a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and fund a program at Henderson Clinic aimed at helping individuals with mental health conditions. As of late December, they had raised over $20,000 toward their $70,000 goal. They remain committed to ensuring that Donovan’s legacy contributes to positive change within their community.
A visitation and funeral service for Donovan will take place on January 3 in Coral Springs. His family encourages those struggling with their mental health to seek help and has shared resources for anyone in crisis, underscoring the importance of support in overcoming mental health challenges.