BOSTON — A jury awarded $5.4 million to the family of a teenager who tragically took his own life, citing negligence by his football coach and various school administrators in their handling of the events leading up to his death. This decision comes in the wake of 15-year-old Nathan Bruno’s suicide in 2018, which his family believes was influenced by pressure from his then-football coach, Ryan Moniz, to disclose the identities of students who harassed him through text messages and phone calls.
The family claims that Moniz, along with football players, coerced Bruno into revealing the names of those tormenting him, exacerbating his emotional distress. The jury concluded that Moniz’s negligence was a direct cause of Bruno’s suicide, placing full responsibility for the judgment on him, to be compensated by the school district. Bruno’s father, Richard Bruno, refrained from issuing a comment regarding the jury’s ruling. Meanwhile, Moniz has yet to respond to inquiries sent to his school email.
This isn’t an isolated case, as school districts have faced similar liability after student suicides. For instance, in 2023, a Utah school district was ordered to pay $2 million to the family of a young Black girl who died after experiencing harassment from peers.
In response to Bruno’s death, the School Committee dismissed Moniz from his coaching position; however, he continues to be listed as a teacher on the district’s website. In memory of Nathan Bruno, Rhode Island’s legislature enacted a law in 2021 mandating that public school districts implement suicide prevention policies and provide training for school staff on recognizing and addressing suicidal behavior.
The lawsuit filed by Bruno’s family alleges that Moniz, the Portsmouth town government, and several school administrators failed in their responsibilities, adding significant mental and emotional strain on Bruno in his final weeks. The suit contends that they did not inform his parents of a police inquiry concerning him, switched his physical education class without parental notification, permitted Moniz to exert pressure on Bruno, and neglected to have discussions with him, despite his willingness to extend an apology regarding the harassing calls.
Jamestown Detective Derek Carlino, who investigated the incident following Moniz’s complaint, was alleged to have disclosed confidential police information about Bruno to Moniz. The jury also deemed a former principal and assistant principal from Portsmouth High School negligent in their roles.
Peter Cerilli, representing Nathan’s parents alongside John Foley, remarked on the situation, “There was an utter failure in pressuring a boy, which amounted to bullying from the coach.”
Marc DeSisto, attorney for the town, expressed respect for the judicial process and indicated ongoing legal matters still needing resolution regarding accountability for the suicide.
On behalf of Carlino and Jamestown, Melody Alger expressed relief at the lack of liability found against her clients. She stated, “While Detective Carlino and the Town of Jamestown were disappointed by the negligence ruling, we are gratified that the jury recognized that our clients did not contribute to Nathan Bruno’s tragic passing.”
The jury’s financial award to Bruno’s family totaled $3.1 million, which, due to interest accrued since his death, escalates to $5.4 million.
