Third Parkland school shooting survivor dies by suicide seven years after the tragedy.
The tragic aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has claimed yet another life, underscoring the long-lasting psychological impact of such violence. Donovan Metayer, a former student who survived the horrific event in 2018, took his own life last week at the age of 26. His family confirmed the news, illuminating the ongoing battle many survivors face in the wake of trauma.
On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz, a former student, carried out a shooting spree that resulted in the deaths of 14 students and three staff members, injuring 17 others. Although Metayer escaped physically unharmed, the psychological scars of that day lingered for years, affecting his mental health and quality of life significantly.
According to his family, the trauma and loss of classmates profoundly altered the course of Metayer’s life. Following the massacre, they noted a marked change in his demeanor; he withdrew from social interactions and struggled with depression, guilt, and emotional instability. This stark contrast to the vibrant young man he once was—described as intellectually gifted and charismatic—led to numerous hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts, derailing his aspirations of pursuing a degree in computer science.
The family’s grief was amplified by the recent acknowledgment that Metayer had been battling schizophrenia for seven years. Following his death, his sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, spoke publicly about his struggles on social media, highlighting the profound effects of mental illness exacerbated by the trauma of the shooting.
In an effort to help others facing similar challenges, the Metayer family plans to use funds raised in his memory to establish a mental health initiative at the Henderson Clinic, where Donovan received care.
Significantly, it was revealed that Donovan had been previously barred from purchasing a firearm under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows for temporary detention for mental health evaluation. However, this restriction expired, granting him access to a weapon that was ultimately used in his suicide just a week later. This heartbreaking incident marks him as the third survivor of the Parkland shooting to take their own life, following Sydney Aiello and Calvin Desir, both of whom also faced immense psychological distress in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The series of suicides among survivors raises urgent questions about mental health support and intervention for individuals exposed to such traumatic events, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about gun access laws and mental health resources.
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