The family of Gabriel Palacios, a 13-year-old Coronado Middle School student who died by suicide in April, has filed a legal claim against the Coronado Unified School District, alleging that officials failed to protect him from relentless bullying. According to the family, Gabriel frequently ate lunch in the counselor’s office to avoid bullies at school, while also facing harassment online.

In their Sept. 18 filing, the family accuses the district of negligence, claiming school staff did not take sufficient steps to intervene despite being aware of the bullying. “Gabriel should have been safe at school. Instead, he was left to fend for himself against constant torment,” the family’s attorney said in a statement announcing the claim.

The Coronado Unified School District confirmed it is “aware” of the legal claim but said it would not provide further comment, citing ongoing litigation. Meanwhile, Gabriel’s family continues to call for accountability, saying they hope their actions will prevent other families from enduring a similar tragedy.