Family sues Coronado school district over teen's suicide death
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The family of a 13-year-old Coronado Middle School student who committed suicide this past spring has filed a lawsuit against the school district, citing inaction from bullying and public humiliation he is alleged to have endured at school.
Gabriel Palacios was a 7th grade student at Coronado Middle School before he died by suicide in April 2025.
The lawsuit claims Palacios was neurodivergent and living with a developmental condition that made social interactions challenging, including Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD and OCD, and that he "endured relentless bullying by classmates, both at school and on social media."
The lawsuit states the harassment escalated earlier this year when used his phone to take personal photos of a medical issue and accidentally posted them to Snapchat in February. One of his followers, another student, screenshotted the photo and shared it to other students.
In early April, Palacios left school early after reporting feeling sick while his parents were out of town. Later that night, Palacios ended his life. He was found by his sister and a family friend watching them.
The complaint alleges that, despite repeated notifications to school officials about the bullying and the viral circulation of the personal photos, the district failed to take action to protect Palacios or address the escalating situation.
“Gabriel’s death was entirely preventable,” said Attorney John Gomez, representing the Palacios family. “He was a neurodivergent child who needed care, protection, and understanding — and instead, he was left to face cruelty and humiliation alone. The Coronado Unified School District had countless opportunities to intervene and chose not to. That failure cost Gabriel his life.”
The lawsuit also claims that "Coronado Middle School staff ignored repeated warnings from students and parents, failed to follow their own anti-bullying policies, and did not provide emotional or psychological support for Gabriel after the viral incident."
“We trusted that Gabriel’s school would take care of him and ensure his safety,” said Orsolya Palacios, Gabriel’s mother. “He was different, and sometimes that made him a target — but he was kind, bright, and full of love. When the bullying worsened after the video spread, we asked for help, and the school did nothing. Our son deserved better.”
The lawsuit comes nearly two weeks after the school district during a special board meeting rejected the family's legal complaint.
In a statement on the decision, the Coronado School District said,
"Coronado Unified School District officials are deeply saddened by the death of seventh grade student Gabriel Palacios in April of 2025 and have extended deepest condolences and support to his family. At a special Board meeting held on September 25, 2025, the Board took action to reject the government tort claim that was filed against the Coronado Unified School District by Gomez Trial Attorneys on behalf of the Palacios family. Based upon the investigation and information the District has obtained to date, the facts do not support the claims made against the District. There are statements in the claim based on misinformation. While the District cannot comment on details of the misinformation outside of the legal process, the District will fully defend itself and its staff against the claims made."
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the 24-hour U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline at 9-8-8 to speak with counselors. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
