News Summary
The family of a 13-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against the Coronado Unified School District after he tragically died by suicide, citing severe bullying and the school’s inadequate response. Gabriel Palacios faced relentless harassment from peers, exacerbated by a personal video incident and challenges related to his neurodivergent conditions. The lawsuit highlights the pressing issue of bullying in schools and calls into question the responsibilities of educational institutions in ensuring student safety.
Coronado, California – The family of Gabriel Palacios, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Coronado Middle School, has filed a lawsuit against the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) following the tragic suicide of their son in April 2025. The family claims that Gabriel’s death was linked to severe bullying and the school’s inadequate response to the ongoing harassment he faced from other students.
Gabriel died by suicide just months after experiencing intense bullying, which escalated after an incident involving a personal video that he accidentally shared on social media. This video included nude images of himself, which he deleted shortly after posting. However, another student managed to save the video and allegedly threatened to distribute it further, leading to increased bullying.
The lawsuit outlines that Gabriel’s bullying intensified after this incident, as fellow students began to mock and harass him at school. His family contends that despite being aware of the ongoing situation, school officials failed to take adequate measures to support and protect Gabriel from his peers.
In addition to the bullying linked to the video incident, Gabriel faced bullying related to his neurodivergent conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette’s syndrome. His family’s concerns about his well-being had grown prior to the suicide, prompting them to consider transferring him to a private school. The family maintained that Gabriel was bullied from the beginning of the school year.
In the aftermath of the video incident, Gabriel’s family reported the harassment to both school administrators and local police. However, the situation allegedly worsened, with increased bullying taking place after they sought assistance. A vice principal did question students suspected of sharing the video, yet no further action was taken after the students denied involvement, according to the lawsuit.
Gabriel’s family asserts that school officials ignored repeated warnings regarding the severe impact of the bullying on their son’s emotional health. For several months leading up to his death, Gabriel’s emotional state purportedly declined. His parents expressed their concerns through multiple complaints about the bullying and its negative effects on their son. Gabriel frequently sought solace in the school counselor’s office to escape the harassment, indicating a significant deterioration in his mental health.
On April 10, the day before his death, it was noted that Gabriel did not have his assigned aide at school, an action that went against his Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This absence added to the family’s claims regarding the school’s negligence in providing the necessary support for their son.
Gabriel’s family is seeking damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and statutory damages related to privacy violations and negligence. The Coronado Unified School District acknowledged the family’s previous claims but has refrained from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit due to the active litigation.
Gabriel’s mother expressed disappointment in the school’s failure to protect her son, emphasizing that trust was placed in the institution to ensure Gabriel’s safety. Additionally, the family’s attorney has stated that Gabriel’s tragic death was entirely preventable and criticized the school’s lack of intervention and support throughout the ordeal.
This case highlights persistent issues surrounding bullying in schools, particularly the responsibility of educational institutions to provide a safe environment for all students and address bullying effectively. The outcome of the lawsuit may further inform policies and practices surrounding bullying prevention and intervention at Coronado Middle School and other districts.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8
- NBC San Diego
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Times of San Diego
- Wikipedia: Bullying
- Google Search: Coronado Middle School
- Google Scholar: Student Suicide Bullying
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cyberbullying
- Google News: Teen Bullying Suicide
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.
