Joshua Leigh Metayer Parkland, FL Death and Obituary – Joshua Leigh Metayer, a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, tragically died by suicide on December 15, 2025, at the age of 26. His death has brought renewed attention to the lasting mental health impact of mass shootings and the urgent need for comprehensive support for survivors of gun violence.
Parkland Shooting Survivor
Metayer was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the February 14, 2018, shooting that claimed 17 lives and left hundreds traumatized. Though he survived the physical attack, Metayer struggled for years with the emotional and psychological scars of the event. His family has spoken openly about the “unimaginable sorrow” he carried and the profound survivor’s guilt he experienced following the tragedy.
Mental Health Challenges
In the years after the shooting, Metayer battled schizophrenia while trying to maintain a normal life. Despite his mental health struggles, he pursued a career in information technology and achieved professional success, recently earning a promotion at his job. His experience highlights the dual challenges of managing a serious mental illness while coping with trauma from extreme violence.
Circumstances of Death
Metayer’s family reported that he legally purchased a handgun and took his own life on December 15, 2025. This occurred just one week after a Risk Protection Order (RPO)—which had temporarily prohibited him from buying firearms—was allowed to lapse. His death underscores ongoing debates over mental health, gun access, and the effectiveness of protective legislation aimed at preventing tragedies among vulnerable individuals.
Memorial and Legacy
The news of Metayer’s death was shared publicly by his sister, Nancy Metayer Bowen, a Coral Springs City Commissioner. Bowen emphasized the need for greater awareness of the long-term trauma survivors of gun violence endure, as well as the mental health crises disproportionately affecting young Black men.
In his memory, a GoFundMe page has been established to cover funeral expenses and create a mental health fund at Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic in Coral Springs. Funeral services are scheduled for January 3, 2026, providing friends, family, and the community an opportunity to honor his life and raise awareness of these critical issues.
Metayer’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the lingering consequences of mass shootings and the importance of accessible mental health care. His family’s efforts to turn his memory into advocacy reflect a commitment to helping others who face similar struggles.
