News Summary
The family of Gabriel Palacios has filed a lawsuit against the Coronado Unified School District, claiming negligence in protecting him from severe bullying. They allege the school exhibited ‘deliberate indifference’ to his suffering, particularly following a social media incident that led to increased harassment. The family seeks accountability for emotional distress and emphasizes the need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable children in educational environments.
Coronado, California – A tragic incident involving a 13-year-old student from Coronado Middle School has led to a lawsuit against the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD). The family of Gabriel Palacios, who died by suicide in April 2025, claims that the school failed to adequately protect him from persistent bullying and exhibited “deliberate indifference” to his suffering.
The lawsuit was filed by Gabriel’s parents, Orsolya and Felipe Palacios, through their attorney John Gomez from Gomez Trial Attorneys. The family alleges that there was a pattern of hostility towards Gabriel due to his diagnoses of Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, and OCD. Their claims indicate that the bullying escalated significantly after Gabriel accidentally uploaded a video containing a nude image of himself to social media, which quickly circulated among students, exacerbating his mental health issues.
Despite multiple reports made by the family to school officials regarding the bullying, they assert that no meaningful action was taken to address the situation. Following the social media incident in February 2025, Gabriel experienced increased harassment at school, contributing to a feeling of unsafety. He often sought refuge in the counselor’s office, becoming increasingly withdrawn and distressed.
The lawsuit outlines a number of specific incidents of mistreatment. For instance, it states that Gabriel faced unwarranted disciplinary actions, including being disciplined for bringing a bottle opener, mistaken for a weapon, to a school dance. Moreover, the lack of support from a designated aide on April 10, 2025, left Gabriel without the assistance mandated by his Individualized Education Program (IEP), culminating in his suicide later that night.
The Palacios family is seeking accountability from the school district for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and damages related to privacy violations and negligence. They emphasize that their legal action is aimed at raising awareness about the serious issues of bullying and mental health in schools, stressing that no other child should feel they have no choice but to take their own life.
In response to the lawsuit, CUSD offered condolences and support to the Palacios family but stated that the facts do not support the allegations made in the lawsuit. The school district is committed to the safety and well-being of all its students, according to its public statement.
This tragic situation reignites discussions about the impact of bullying in schools and the importance of mental health support, particularly for students with disabilities. The family hopes that through their efforts, systematic changes will occur to protect vulnerable children and ensure such tragedies do not repeat.
In light of this event and its aftermath, resources for individuals experiencing crisis have been emphasized. Help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The case of Gabriel Palacios serves as a solemn reminder of the critical need for supportive and vigilant educational environments.
Important Contacts:
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
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Additional Resources
- 10 News
- Wikipedia: Bullying
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: Bullying in Schools
- CBS 8
- Google Scholar: School Bullying
- Coronado Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bullying
- Times of San Diego
- Google News: Coronado School 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.
