Crime
Parkland School Shooting Survivor Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer Dies by Suicide
Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a 26-year-old survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, died by suicide on December 15, according to a statement shared by his family.
Metayer had endured significant mental health challenges for several years following the traumatic attack that claimed the lives of 17 people.
Metayer was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at the time of the February 14, 2018 shooting.
His family said the trauma of that day, coupled with the loss of classmates and the long-term psychological effects of the event, profoundly altered the trajectory of his life.
In the years that followed, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with depression, survivorโs guilt, emotional instability, and extended periods of isolation.
Despite these challenges, Metayer remained deeply loved by his family, who described him as intelligent, humorous, and compassionate. He underwent years of treatment that included therapy, psychiatric care, medication, and multiple hospitalizations related to suicidal ideation.
His sister, who shared the news of his death publicly, said he fought a seven-year battle with mental illness.
In recent years, Metayer made notable efforts to rebuild his life. He earned an information technology certification, secured employment at Office Depot, and received ongoing care through the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic and a private psychiatrist.
His family said these steps reflected his determination to move forward despite persistent struggles.
Following a mental health crisis in 2021, Metayer was legally prohibited from purchasing a firearm under a Risk Protection Order.
That order expired earlier this month.
According to his family, within days of the order lapsing, he legally obtained a handgun and died by suicide at his home.
In the wake of his death, Metayerโs family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to create a fund in his name at the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic.
The fund is intended to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and to improve access to mental health care in Florida.
His family said they hope his story serves as a reminder of the long-term effects of trauma and the urgent need for sustained mental health support, particularly for survivors of mass violence.
Those close to Metayer emphasized that his life mattered and that his death underscores the ongoing mental health crisis affecting young people across the country.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, help is available.
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Crime
Greenville County Murder-Suicide: Chloe Jade Brown and Dreak Wright Dead After Elmwood Avenue Shooting
GREENVILLE, South Carolina โ A fatal shooting at a home on Elmwood Avenue in Greenville County claimed the lives of a man and a woman on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026.
The victims have been identified in information shared with the public as Chloe Jade Brown, a young mother, and Dreak Wright. The incident has been described as a suspected murder-suicide.
The Greenville County Sheriffโs Office said deputies were called to Elmwood Avenue before 9 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they found a man and a woman who had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
According to the supplied account, Wright allegedly shot Brown before taking his own life. The identities and sequence of events should be treated as reported information until confirmed by authorities.
Chloe Jade Brown has been remembered by friends and loved ones as a caring mother and a bright presence in their lives.
Following news of the deadly incident, tributes expressed grief over her death and concern for the children she leaves behind. Those mourning her have offered prayers for her children, family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The loss of a mother has prompted particular concern for the childrenโs well-being and the emotional support they may need as they cope with their loss.
Some people sharing tributes to Brown alleged that she had experienced domestic violence. However, the information available does not independently confirm those claims or establish whether domestic violence played a role in the shooting.
Authorities have not provided further details in the supplied report about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the relationship between the victims or any previous reports of domestic disputes.
These details should be verified before being presented as established facts.
Deputies with the Greenville County Sheriffโs Office responded to the Elmwood Avenue residence before 9 p.m. Tuesday. They found both victims dead from gunshot wounds, according to the agencyโs initial account.
The incident has been described as a murder-suicide in the supplied information, but additional official confirmation is needed regarding the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragedy has left friends and loved ones mourning both individuals, while tributes to Brown have highlighted the impact her death will have on her children.