Donovan Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has died by suicide at the age of 26, his family confirmed. His death comes after a years-long battle with schizophrenia, an often unseen, long-term mental health toll carried by survivors of mass violence.
Metayer was a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a gunman opened fire on February 14, 2018, killing 17 people and injuring many others. While he survived the attack physically, those close to him say the trauma marked the beginning of a difficult and deeply personal struggle that would shape the rest of his life.
According to his sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, Donovan died on Monday, December 15, after fighting schizophrenia for seven years. In a statement shared on Facebook, she described him as her “baby brother” and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support the family has received.
“Thank you for the immense love and support our family has received from the community in the days since Donovan’s passing,” Bowen wrote. “I see your messages, hear your voicemails, and am deeply grateful for every expression of remorse.”
To honor Donovan’s life and legacy, the Metayer family is establishing a mental health fund in his name. The fund will focus on expanding access to mental health services and support for individuals and families navigating serious mental illness, particularly those who may lack adequate resources.
“Our family is establishing a mental health fund in his name,” Bowen shared. “This fund will expand access to mental health services and support for individuals and families who need it most.”
Rather than flowers or personal outreach, the family has encouraged those who are able to consider donating to the fund as a way to honor Donovan’s memory and help others facing similar challenges.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, help is available. In the U.S., the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, providing free, confidential support 24/7.
