The news hit hard: Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the devastating 2018 Parkland school shooting, has tragically passed away at just 26 years old.
His family shared the heartbreaking update, revealing that after a seven-year battle with schizophrenia, Donovan died by suicide on December 15th. This young man was an IT professional and, chillingly, also a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on that horrific Valentine’s Day in 2018 when 17 lives were lost. His sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, courageously broke the news on Facebook.
For those who need a refresher, February 14, 2018, saw 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz unleash terror at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. That day, 17 people were killed, and 18 others suffered injuries.
The ripple effect of that tragedy ran deep, leaving countless students grappling with its aftermath for years.
But for Donovan, the scars were profound. His family revealed he “carried unimaginable sorrow” and battled severe mental health struggles after the incident. They watched as “depression, guilt, emotional instability, and long periods of isolation” slowly replaced the vibrant young man they cherished.
“Though he had dreamt of college and a future in computer science, his worsening mental health made those dreams difficult to reach,” the family said. “Over the years that followed, he would be hospitalized multiple times for suicidal ideation. Like so many young people, he struggled to accept a mental health diagnosis.”
“Donny often masked his pain to not burden those he loved, even as our family fought alongside him,” his family wrote. “Finding care through limited resources, systemic barriers, and the realities of navigating mental health crises as a young Black man made his path all the more steep.”
Despite the immense challenges, Donovan’s family saw a glimmer of hope. He found a “lifeline” at the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic and with a private psychiatrist, finally getting the guidance and compassion he deserved.
“With their support, Donny began to heal, earning an IT certificate and joining the team at Office Depot in Coral Springs, where he was quickly promoted,” the family wrote on the GoFundMe. “After years of challenges, he was beginning to carve out a sense of independence and a future he could believe in. His progress was a source of immense pride for our family.”
Tragically, earlier this month, Donovan’s Risk Protection Order — a civil order preventing him from buying a firearm — lapsed. This meant, devastatingly, the 26-year-old could legally purchase a handgun.
Just a week later, he used that very handgun to end his life in the family home.
“Donny’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the mental health crisis plaguing our youth and the lasting trauma of gun violence on our community,” the family said. “As we grieve his loss, we are breaking the code of silence in his memory.”
Donovan’s visitation and funeral service are set for Saturday, January 3rd, in Coral Springs. A GoFundMe, as of December 21st, has already raised $20,000 towards a $70,000 goal. His family intends to use a portion of these funds to establish a program at the Henderson Clinic, aiming to provide healthcare, housing, and hope for individuals battling behavioral health conditions across Florida. This legacy of love will honor Donovan’s memory and help others on their path to healing.
