News Summary
The family of 13-year-old Gabriel Palacios has filed a legal claim against the Coronado Unified School District, alleging negligence in protecting him from bullying that led to his suicide. Gabriel, a 7th grader, faced severe harassment following the unintentional sharing of a private video. Despite the family’s reports to the school, they claim no action was taken. The district has rejected the claim, citing a lack of evidence. This tragic case highlights the urgent need for effective anti-bullying measures in schools.
Coronado, California – The family of 13-year-old Gabriel Palacios has filed a legal claim against the Coronado Unified School District, alleging that the school failed to protect him from bullying, which contributed to his suicide five months ago. The announcement of the legal claim was made during a press conference held on September 18.
Gabriel, a 7th-grade student at Coronado Middle School, faced persistent bullying that escalated after he unintentionally shared a nude video of himself with contacts on Snapchat in February 2025. This incident occurred after Gabriel expressed concerns about an area near his private parts. Following the video leak, another student allegedly saved it and threatened to distribute it more widely, which increased the harassment Gabriel experienced.
The Palacios family asserts that the school administration was made aware of Gabriel’s situation but failed to take appropriate action. Despite notifying the school about the bullying, the alleged perpetrator denied having knowledge of the video when school officials inquired. According to John Gomez, the family’s attorney, the school did not conduct an investigation nor implement measures to address the ongoing bullying.
Gabriel’s emotional struggles were reportedly recognized by the school, as he frequently sought refuge in the counselor’s office during lunchtime to avoid being bullied. His mother described the profound impact of bullying on her son, stating that she witnessed his spirit being extinguished as the harassment intensified. The legal claim contends that the school was aware of Gabriel’s vulnerabilities, including his diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome and ADHD, yet failed to provide sufficient support.
In response to the claim, the Coronado Unified School District has held a special board meeting to review the tort claim and subsequently rejected it, claiming that the evidence does not support the family’s assertions. The district conveyed sadness over Gabriel’s passing and extended condolences to his family.
Orsolya Palacios, Gabriel’s mother, emphasized her son’s positive qualities, describing him as “beautiful, smart, fun, and above all, kind and loving.” The family’s concerns about bullying were significant enough that they sought to transfer Gabriel to another school. The district’s actions, according to Gomez, ultimately diminished Gabriel’s hope for support, particularly in relation to his neurodivergent needs.
Mercedes Smith, president of the Coronado Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization, acknowledged the collective responsibility of the community in addressing instances of bullying. Research highlights that children with disabilities, such as those experienced by Gabriel, are disproportionately targeted for bullying and often face adverse mental health outcomes as a result.
If the school district ultimately denies the legal claim, the Palacios family plans to escalate their case by pursuing a lawsuit. As communities grapple with the complex issue of bullying, especially in educational settings, the tragic story of Gabriel Palacios underscores the pressing need for effective interventions and supports for vulnerable students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado Unified School District Continues Virtual Learning Plans
Coronado School District Rejects Claim Linked to Student’s Suicide
Coronado Community Unites for Race the Rock Scavenger Hunt
Family of Bullying Victim Files Legal Claim Against School District
Family of Bullying Victim Files Lawsuit Against School District
Family Files Legal Claim Against School District After Student’s Suicide
Lawsuit Filed Over Student’s Suicide Due to Bullying
Family Files Legal Claim Against School District After Son’s Suicide
Lawsuit Filed Against Coronado School District After Student’s Suicide
Family Files Complaint Against School District After Student’s Suicide
Additional Resources
- People: Seventh Grader Died by Suicide
- Coronado Times: CUSD Faces Lawsuit
- NBC San Diego: Family Files Claim Against CUSD
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Suicide and Bullying
- Google Search: Teen Suicide and Bullying
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.
