Portsmouth, RI — In a tragic sequence of events leading up to and following the suicide of Nathan Bruno, a high school student from Portsmouth, questions around the responsibilities and actions of school officials and local authorities have culminated in a legal battle. The heart of the lawsuit accuses Portsmouth High School personnel and administrators of failing to adequately address the mental and emotional stress experienced by Bruno, which his family claims contributed directly to his death.
In early February 2018, an independent report found that Ryan Moniz, a teacher and coach at the school, had placed undue pressure on Bruno to disclose the names of peers involved in sending harassing messages, as a condition for accepting his apology. This demand, according to the report, potentially put the adolescent in a difficult position, forcing him to choose between loyalty to his friends and resolving the issue.
The situation escalated when Moniz reportedly threatened to quit his role as the football coach, a move that was said to manipulate the students emotionally. This incident led to an emotionally charged meeting at Bruno’s home, just a day before he took his own life on February 7, 2018.
Following his son’s death, Richard Bruno Jr., Nathan’s father, pursued legal action against the school district after his attempts to resolve the matter internally were unfruitful. He expressed both relief and sorrow when the court finally heard their case, emphasizing the broader implications for youth in their community. The judicial outcome found several individuals, including school principals and a local police detective, negligent in their duties.
The legal representatives for Portsmouth and Jamestown acknowledged respect for the judicial process but highlighted ongoing legal considerations concerning liability in suicide cases. Meanwhile, the defendants from Jamestown, though found negligent, were relieved to hear the jury’s decision that their actions did not directly cause Bruno’s death.
Richard Bruno also recounted how, prior to the tragic day, the school staff had knowledge of the prank-related issues and had chosen not to inform him directly—a decision that left him and his son without crucial support at a critical time. The lesson meant to be a simple teenage mishap spiraled into a significant crisis without adequate guidance and intervention from the authorities involved.
Despite Nathan’s death, the community has taken steps to prevent future tragedies. In 2021, Rhode Island enacted the Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act, which mandates suicide prevention training and policies for school personnel—showing legislative commitment to tackling such sensitive issues more effectively.
Ryan Moniz, who remains a teacher at Portsmouth High School, contested his termination from his coaching position in a lawsuit filed in 2021, highlighting the ongoing complexities and personal repercussions following the incident.
The legislation and systemic responses highlight a collective striving toward better support for students facing mental health challenges, recognizing that the loss experienced by any family is irreplaceable. Richard Bruno’s enduring commitment to address these issues serves as a testament to his desire to see meaningful changes for other young individuals in the community.
For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Immediate support can be accessed by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255, or by texting HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
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