Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, died by suicide on December 15 at age 26. His family confirmed the news, describing the loss as devastating and long-lasting.
Donovan, known to family and friends as “Donny,” had battled schizophrenia for seven years. His sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, shared the news on Facebook, and the family said, “The loss of our family’s youngest child is a sorrow beyond words — one that will echo through our lives, forever.”
The trauma of surviving the Parkland shooting deeply affected Donovan’s life. His family explained that he struggled with depression, guilt, emotional instability, and periods of isolation. These challenges made it difficult for him to pursue his dreams of college and a career in computer science.
“Over the years that followed, he would be hospitalized multiple times for suicidal ideation,” his family said.
Despite these obstacles, Donovan worked to regain stability through therapy, medication, and support from Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic and a private psychiatrist.
“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,” his family shared.
Tragically, Donovan’s Risk Protection Order, which temporarily prevented him from accessing firearms, had expired earlier in December. Shortly afterward, he used a handgun to take his own life. The family said, “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.”
Donovan often hid his struggles to avoid burdening his loved ones. His family noted, “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.”
To honor his memory, the family created a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and support behavioral health programs in Florida.
“Though Donny’s life was brief, his impact will be everlasting,” they wrote.
His visitation and funeral are scheduled for January 3 in Coral Springs.
