Boy, 13, Ate Lunch in Counselor’s Office to Avoid Bullies. After He Died by Suicide, Family Says School Didn’t Protect Him
CORONADO, Calif. — The family of a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide earlier this year is taking legal action against the Coronado Unified School District, claiming officials failed to protect him from relentless bullying at school and online.
Gabriel’s Struggles at School
The boy, identified as Gabriel Palacios, was a seventh grader at Coronado Middle School. His family said he was neurodivergent, living with Tourette’s syndrome and ADHD, conditions they believe made him a target for classmates.
Family attorney John Gomez said Gabriel’s struggles worsened after he accidentally shared a private video of himself on Snapchat, which another student allegedly threatened to distribute. While the family reported the incident, the claim states that school officials did not take meaningful steps to investigate or stop the harassment.
Eating Lunch in the Counselor’s Office
Gabriel’s parents noted that their son ate lunch in a counselor’s office every day to avoid being bullied in the cafeteria. His mother, Orsolya Palacios, said she watched her son’s confidence diminish under the pressure.
“Gabriel did not deserve this. No one deserves this, and it needs to be stopped,” she said during a press conference announcing the claim.
Legal Claim Filed Against District
On September 18, the Palacios family filed a legal claim alleging the school district failed in its duty to protect Gabriel despite knowing about his declining emotional state.
In response, district officials said they were aware of the complaint but declined to discuss details, citing ongoing litigation. A week later, the district’s board voted to reject the claim, issuing a statement that the facts did not support the allegations.
Still, the district expressed condolences, writing, “Officials are deeply saddened by the death of seventh grade student Gabriel Palacios in April 2025 and have extended deepest condolences and support to his family.”
A Mother’s Grief
At the press conference, Orsolya said she saw her son’s spirit “extinguish” as the bullying continued unchecked. Friends and family described Gabriel as a smart, kind, and loving child who deserved more protection.
The case has reignited conversations around school responsibility, online harassment, and the urgent need for stronger anti-bullying policies.
Do you believe schools are doing enough to protect students from bullying? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
