Two Years After 11-Year-Old Son’s Tragic Suicide, Florida Parents File Lawsuit Against School Board Over Alleged Bullying by Teacher
Nearly two years after losing their 11-year-old son, Louis Johnson III (known as LJ), to suicide, his devastated parents are taking legal action—claiming their cries for help were ignored. On April 21, 2025, Tyka Johnson and Louis Johnson Jr. filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Florida, alleging the school failed to protect their son from relentless bullying at the hands of his fifth-grade teacher.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the Johnsons allege that the teacher—identified in the suit as Donna White, though school records list her as Dawn—subjected LJ to months of verbal abuse. She allegedly called him “stupid” in front of classmates and encouraged other students to mock him as well, fostering a toxic environment of humiliation and emotional torment.
The lawsuit claims this persistent mistreatment pushed LJ into a deep emotional decline, ultimately leading to his suicide on April 27, 2023. Despite repeated complaints and pleas from LJ’s parents, the school district allegedly failed to intervene, a failure the Johnsons say amounted to gross negligence.
In the wake of their son’s death, the Johnsons turned their grief into advocacy—distributing suicide prevention flyers and pushing for accountability. The school district eventually opened an internal investigation, but the family believes justice has yet to be served. They are now seeking a jury trial to hold the school board responsible for what they describe as a preventable tragedy.
24 Students Speak Out as Florida Teacher Loses Contract Following Tragic Death of 11-Year-Old LJ Johnson
In the wake of 11-year-old Louis “LJ” Johnson III’s heartbreaking suicide, a growing chorus of student voices has come forward—painting a disturbing picture of classroom cruelty that may have contributed to the young boy’s death.
According to the findings of an internal investigation, 24 students—including half of them from LJ’s own classroom—reported that teacher Donna (or Dawn) White routinely berated children, publicly discussed their grades, and, in some cases, reduced students to tears. The allegations were serious enough that White’s teaching contract was not renewed.
LJ’s family, still reeling from his loss, has taken steps to both honor his memory and call for justice. They launched a GoFundMe campaign sharing heartfelt memories of LJ’s spirit, passion, and compassion.
“LJ was the youngest of four and so full of potential and promise,” his family wrote. “He loved the beach, catching crabs, making TikTok recipes, and was a huge advocate for the homeless. If he saw someone in need, he’d say, ‘Dad, we gotta pray for that person.’”
Remembered as a “much-loved son, brother, uncle, and friend,” LJ’s radiant smile and gentle heart touched everyone he met.
The family’s GoFundMe page also reveals their deeper mission: “We not only want to give LJ the voice he deserves,” the statement reads, “but bring awareness to suicide as a result of adult bullying against children. Such a permanent decision, influenced by a trusted adult, has altered the lives of many.”
As their lawsuit against the Marion County School Board moves forward, the Johnsons are asking for continued support—both emotional and financial—as they fight to ensure that no other child suffers the same fate.
