The parents of Louis Johnson III, known as “LJ,” have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Ocala, Florida. They allege that his fifth-grade teacher bullied him, contributing to his tragic death by suicide on April 27, 2023.
In their lawsuit, filed on April 21, 2025, Tyka Johnson and Louis Johnson Jr. claim that LJ’s teacher, Donna White, subjected him to bullying and also encouraged other students to join in. The lawsuit is based on court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
Allegations of Teacher Bullying
According to the lawsuit, LJ’s teacher, who was listed as Donna White in the lawsuit (though school records list her as Dawn White), publicly humiliated him on several occasions. The lawsuit claims that White called LJ “stupid” and made fun of him in front of his classmates repeatedly over several months.
The parents also allege that White recruited other students to join in the bullying, encouraging them to call LJ “stupid” and tell him he “didn’t know anything.” The filing says this continued for months.
School Board’s Negligence Alleged
The Johnson family claims that they reported the bullying to the school board but that the school was negligent in handling the situation. They allege that the bullying led to LJ’s depression and anxiety, which ultimately contributed to his tragic death.
The lawsuit demands a trial by jury for all issues that are eligible for a jury trial, and it was filed on April 21, 2025.
Investigation and Teacher’s Firing
Following LJ’s death, his parents passed out Suicide Prevention flyers at his school, which included allegations about White’s behavior. In June 2023, an investigation into White’s actions took place. The investigation found that over 24 students — including 12 of White’s students — claimed that she would make them cry and publicly criticize their grades.
Because of the investigation, White’s contract was not renewed.
Remembering LJ
LJ’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his medical and funeral expenses after his death. The page described him as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. It also said that LJ loved the beach, enjoyed catching crabs, made TikTok recipes, and was an advocate for the homeless. His family wrote:
“For those of you who knew him, you were the lucky ones. He would light up any room with his infectious smile.”