In December 2025, a familiar community was confronted with a painful reminder of a reality many prefer to forget: surviving a tragedy does not always mean the suffering ends when the headlines fade.
Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, passed away at the age of 26, according to a statement released by his family. His death has renewed conversations around the long-term effects of trauma, the challenges faced by survivors of violence, and the need for ongoing mental health support.
Donovan—known to loved ones as “Donny”—was a senior at the high school when the February 14, 2018 attack claimed the lives of 17 students and staff members. The event permanently altered the lives of those who lived through it, sparking nationwide debates about safety, policy, and emotional well-being.
While the public focus largely shifted in the years that followed, Donovan’s family says the impact of that day continued quietly in his life. Once described as bright, thoughtful, and full of promise, he gradually became more withdrawn. Activities he once enjoyed lost their appeal, and emotional struggles became more visible.
According to relatives, Donovan experienced ongoing mental health challenges in the years after the shooting. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious and complex condition that requires long-term care, support, and understanding. Like many people living with severe mental illness, his journey included periods of treatment, hospitalization, and continuous effort to manage symptoms.
Despite these difficulties, Donovan made meaningful progress. He earned an information technology certificate, secured employment at Office Depot in Coral Springs, and was promoted—achievements that brought pride and hope to his family. He also worked closely with mental health professionals and received care through community clinics his family described as essential sources of stability.
Those who knew him say these milestones reflected his determination and resilience, even as he continued to navigate daily challenges that were often unseen by the outside world.
In sharing their son’s story, the Metayer family has emphasized that his passing represents more than a single loss. They describe it as part of a broader national mental health crisis, particularly among young adults affected by trauma and limited access to long-term care.
The family has chosen to speak openly in hopes of reducing stigma and encouraging more honest conversations around mental health. They have launched a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses and to create a mental health fund in Donovan’s name—aimed at supporting individuals and families facing similar struggles.
Advocates note that Donovan’s experience reflects a larger pattern seen among survivors of mass violence: while immediate crisis response is often strong, sustained mental health support can be inconsistent or difficult to access over time.
Friends and former classmates remember Donovan as kind, curious, and quietly humorous—someone whose presence made others feel at ease. They speak not only of his technical abilities, but of his warmth and character.
As his family mourns, they hope his story will encourage communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to recognize that healing from trauma is not a short process. For many survivors, it is a long journey that requires continued compassion, resources, and care.
Donovan Metayer’s life and struggles serve as a reminder that the impact of violence extends far beyond the moment it occurs. While the public often measures tragedy by immediate loss, the emotional and psychological consequences can continue for years, shaping lives in ways that are rarely visible.
If sharing his story helps even one person feel less alone or more willing to seek support, his family believes that his legacy will continue to matter.
