CORONADO, Calif. — The tragic loss of 13-year-old Gabriel Palacios has sparked a forthcoming lawsuit against the Coronado Unified School District from his parents, who allege that chronic bullying at Coronado Middle School contributed to their son’s suicide earlier this year. Family attorney John Gomez announced the planned legal action during a press conference held at district offices, asserting the need for accountability and a renewed focus on combating bullying.
Gomez detailed Gabriel’s challenges, including ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome, describing him as a vibrant, adventurous child whose life was marred by bullying after an unintentional social media mishap. In February 2025, Gabriel inadvertently shared a private video on Snapchat, which exposed him to severe harassment from his peers. His family claims they alerted school officials about the bullying, but their concerns were largely ignored.
"Over two months, my son faced relentless torment and isolation while under the watch of those entrusted to protect him," Orsolya Palacios, Gabriel’s mother, said during the conference. She expressed heartbreak as she witnessed her son’s spirit diminish and his confidence erode due to the abuse.
Gomez pointed to an incident at a school dance as particularly illustrative of the district’s failures. Encouraged by his parents to attend, Gabriel was suspended after being caught with a wine key—a tool he used to open soda bottles. This mishap, Gomez argued, reflected the school’s misunderstanding of Gabriel’s needs and his Individualized Education Program (IEP), contributing to the distress that ultimately led to his isolation.
As the bullying worsened, Gabriel turned to the school counselor for support, avoiding social interactions altogether. His mother described an alarming deterioration in her son’s mental health, stating that repeated outreach to school administrators left them feeling unheard and dismissed.
"Despite our consistent efforts to address the issue, it felt as though our concerns were overlooked, leaving Gabriel exceptionally vulnerable," Orsolya Palacios said. "In the end, I had to witness my son’s tragic death. Gabriel deserved a safe and supportive environment."
Gabriel’s teachers recalled his infectious enthusiasm, noting he had a unique ability to lighten the atmosphere with his humor. However, the reality of his experience starkly contrasts his lively personality. Experts indicate that children with disabilities face a significantly higher rate of bullying, increasing their risk for mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Mercedes Smith, president of the CMS parent-teacher organization and a suicide prevention advocate, called on the community to do more in addressing bullying in schools. She reflected on the collective responsibility to ensure no child endures the kind of suffering Gabriel experienced.
"We failed Gabriel and his family," Smith remarked. "It’s imperative that we take action, reevaluate policies, and teach our children the importance of speaking out against bullying, which can have dire consequences for vulnerable youth."
In response to the impending litigation, the Coronado Unified School District acknowledged the situation but refrained from commenting on the specific case, citing ongoing legal considerations. The district expressed its commitment to transparency and indicated that updates would be provided as the situation evolves.
This case underlines a pressing issue that plagues many educational environments: the necessity of robust anti-bullying policies and the critical role educators play in fostering a safe atmosphere for all students.
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