September 26, 2025

Coronado School District Rejects Claim Linked to Student’s Suicide

News Summary

The Coronado Unified School District has dismissed a legal claim from the Palacios family, alleging that bullying contributed to their son Gabriel’s suicide. Gabriel, a 13-year-old student, faced ongoing harassment after an incident involving a private video. The family claims the district failed to adequately address the bullying. Following the rejection, the family’s attorney announced plans to pursue litigation against the district, highlighting the need for better support for bullied students. The community reflects on accountability as the situation unfolds.

Coronado, California – The Coronado Unified School District has rejected a legal claim filed by the Palacios family linking the suicide of their son, Gabriel Palacios, to alleged bullying at school. Gabriel, a 13-year-old seventh-grade student, took his own life in April 2025, prompting the family to seek accountability from the school district.

The family alleges that the middle school authorities failed to adequately address continuous bullying that Gabriel faced from his peers. Following a special closed meeting on September 25, 2025, the school board concluded that the facts of the case do not support the claims made against the district, stating that there was misinformation involved in the claim.

In response to the district’s rejection, Attorney John Gomez, representing the Palacios family, announced plans to pursue litigation against the school district. Gomez argues that the school leadership did not fulfill legal obligations to prevent bullying, which he contends contributed to the tragic outcome.

The incident leading to the bullying reportedly began when Gabriel accidentally shared a private video containing nude images of himself on Snapchat in February 2025. Following this event, the harassment escalated, with other students sharing the video and further targeting Gabriel. His parents have expressed that Gabriel had existing conditions, including ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome, which made him particularly vulnerable to bullying.

According to the family’s claims, they notified school officials about the bullying, providing names of students involved; however, they assert the school only took minimal action, such as questioning the students without pursuing further investigation. The legal claim argues that the school was aware of Gabriel’s deteriorating emotional state, noting that he often sought refuge in a counselor’s office during lunch to escape the harassment.

Orsolya Mezei, Gabriel’s mother, has shared the distressing impact of the bullying on her son’s mental health, observing a significant decline in his spirit and confidence over time. This emotional decline, the family argues, was a direct result of the unaddressed bullying and harassment at school.

As the situation unfolds, Attorney Gomez has indicated that if the district maintains its rejection of the claim, the Palacios family intends to file a lawsuit within six months. They anticipate that a trial could occur about 1.5 years from now, as they seek justice for the loss of their son.

Within the community, there are expressions of regret regarding the handling of the bullying allegations. A member of the Coronado Middle School Parent Teacher Organization acknowledged the need for accountability, stating that the community has a responsibility to recognize their failures in supporting Gabriel and his family.

Although the Coronado Unified School District has expressed condolences to Gabriel’s family, school officials have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the ongoing litigation. The district’s stance has generated significant attention and concern about the handling of bullying incidents in schools, emphasizing the need for effective protocols and support systems for students facing such challenges.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO

The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE CORONADO

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