Two Texas School Districts Named in Wrongful Death Suit
In the wake of an employee’s suicide, family members are alleging negligence on the part of two Texas school districts.
Lawsuit Alleges Bullying and Abusive Work Environment Lead to Suicide
KBTX reports that the family of Dennis Reeves, the Kirbyville High School principal who committed suicide in May of 2017, are naming the Bryan Independent School District (BISD) and the Kirbyville Consolidated Independent School District (KISD) in a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging negligence and gross negligence.
The suit alleges that Tommy Wallis, former BISD superintendent and current KISD superintendent, was abusive, bullying and domineering, and ultimately played a role in Reeves’ suicide. It also alleges that Wallis was forced out of his position at the BISD and that the district tried to conceal information about his departure, leading to the KISD not having adequate information when they hired him.
Reeves was 45-years-old when he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 23, 2017 in the parking lot of the high school after a meeting with Wallis and the assistant superintendent addressing an extramarital affair between Reeves and another school employee.
The school’s assistant principal resigned after the shooting and made public statements claiming the school district’s top staff mishandled the situation and could have done more to prevent the suicide.
Suicide Rates On the Rise Worldwide
- The World Health Organization has found that suicide rates have increased by 60% over the past 45 years with suicide attempts occurring 20 time more frequently than completed suicides.
- Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death for young U.S. Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 years and is the eleventh leading cause of death U.S. Americans.
- Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females, but females are more likely to attempt suicide than males.
Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of an individual, company, or other entity, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to talk with you and your family about your potential case. At Thomas J. Henry, we offer a free case review, and you don’t owe a thing unless we win your case. Our results speak loudly of our success in obtaining successful verdicts, settlements, and judgments for our clients.
Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Let us help you and your family recover the compensation you deserve.
