Jury Awards $5.4M to Family of Portsmouth High School Athlete Who Died by Suicide
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Jury Awards $5.4M to Family of Portsmouth High School Athlete Who Died by Suicide
Bruno’s parents had filed a lawsuit against Portsmouth school officials in 2019, alleging the defendants failed to keep their son safe.
A report outlining the events leading up to Nathan Bruno’s suicide was released in June of 2019, and school football coach Ryan Moniz was removed by the school committee as a result of the findings.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to the report, Nathan Bruno had sent prank calls and texts to Moniz.
Nathan’s father, Rick Bruno, had then set up a time for his son to apologize to Moniz in person.
The report details that Moniz, after learning that other students were involved, called a team meeting at which time he he said he would resign unless others were named.
"Mr. Bruno [father of Nathan] contends that Head Football Coach Ryan Moniz, Principal Joseph Amaral and Athletic Director Steven Trezvant intentionally or unintentionally placed an undue amount of mental and emotional stress upon his son in the weeks and days leading up to his tragic death causing the 15-year-old Nathan to feel isolated, shamed and bullied to the point where his only escape from the pressure was to end his life on February 7, 2018,” wrote attorney Matthew Oliverio, who wrote the report.
Bruno’s parents sued Moniz, the school’s principal, assistant principal and athletic director as well as the town of Portsmouth and a Jamestown detective.
The Brunos are represented by attorneys Peter Cerilli and John Foley.
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On Wednesday, the jury reached a verdict in favor of the Brunos.
The judge did not enter judgment on the verdict, which was $3.1. million.
If the verdict stands, interest accumulated at 12% a year would amount to roughly 80%, totaling $5.4 million.
There are now expected to be post-trial motions.
This story was first published 10/23/24 6:49 PM