Parkland Shooting Survivor Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer Dies in Tragic Incident
Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a 26-year-old survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has passed away in what his family described as a tragic self-inflicted incident on December 15.
Metayer had faced significant mental health challenges in the years following the traumatic attack that claimed the lives of 17 people.
He was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the February 14, 2018 tragedy. According to his family, the trauma of that day—combined with the loss of classmates and the long-term psychological effects of the experience—deeply impacted the course of his life.
In the years that followed, Metayer was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with depression, survivor’s guilt, emotional instability, and extended periods of isolation.
Despite these hardships, he was deeply loved by his family, who described him as intelligent, humorous, and compassionate. He received years of treatment, including therapy, psychiatric support, medication, and multiple hospitalizations related to mental health crises.
His sister, who publicly shared the news of his passing, said he battled mental illness for seven years.
In recent years, Metayer made meaningful efforts to rebuild his life. He earned an information technology certification, secured employment at Office Depot, and continued receiving care through the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic and a private psychiatrist. His family said these steps reflected his determination to move forward despite ongoing challenges.
Following a mental health incident in 2021, Metayer was legally barred from purchasing a firearm under a Risk Protection Order. That order expired earlier this month. According to his family, he obtained a handgun within days of the order lapsing and died from a self-inflicted injury at his home.
In response to his passing, Metayer’s family created a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and to establish a fund in his name at the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic. The fund aims to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and expand access to mental health services in Florida.
His family hopes that his story serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of trauma and the urgent need for sustained mental health care, especially for survivors of mass violence. Those close to Metayer emphasized that his life mattered and that his loss highlights the mental health crisis affecting many young people nationwide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, support is available. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for 24/7 help.
