Louis “LJ” Johnson III was just 11 years old when he died by suicide on April 27, 2023. Two years later, his parents, Tyka Johnson and Louis Johnson Jr., filed a lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Ocala, Florida, claiming their son’s fifth-grade teacher, Donna White, bullied him relentlessly.

The lawsuit alleges White publicly humiliated LJ, calling him “stupid” and encouraging other students to ridicule him, which led to his depression and eventual death. Despite the parents raising concerns, the school allegedly failed to intervene.

LJ passed away in the hospital two days after his suicide attempt. Investigations revealed that White frequently yelled at students, reduced them to tears, and created a psychologically harmful environment. Her contract was later terminated.

LJ’s family remembers him as kind-hearted and full of promise. They started a GoFundMe page to cover expenses and honor his memory, emphasizing his compassion and struggles with bullying.