The parents of a Surrey teenager who died by suicide are taking legal action against Fraser Health and the Surrey school district. Felicity Donovan, 16, was found unresponsive in her bedroom on December 19, 2023, and passed away two days later. Her family describes her as a "kind and gentle" girl who had been receiving mental health support following a previous suicide attempt and ongoing suicidal thoughts.

Felicity had an appointment scheduled for December 13 with Fraser Health’s Short Term Assessment Response Treatment program, known as START. However, the appointment was canceled, and no alternative date was provided. Since her death, her parents, Laura and David Donovan, have sought accountability from the institutions they believe failed their daughter.

“When an appointment is missed, it takes that stability away,” Laura Donovan said. “Not replacing that appointment and having that continuity of care, that’s a critical aspect missing.” This week, the Donovans filed a civil lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court, naming Fraser Health, the Surrey school district, an Elgin Park Secondary School counselor, and a Fraser Health risk management official as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that these entities failed to provide adequate support to Felicity in the months leading up to her death. During a counseling session, Felicity reportedly shared her suicidal thoughts and feelings of isolation, particularly due to a lack of culturally sensitive support. Felicity was Indigenous, from the Abenaki Nation of Odanak, which her family said was a source of pride for her.

David Donovan stated that he requested Indigenous-led support for Felicity, but neither Fraser Health nor the school district could provide it. “The sad part is we don’t know if this has happened to other children before or after Felicity,” Laura Donovan said. “These institutions cannot be trusted with seeking truth on their own and protecting vulnerable children.”

The lawsuit also claims that the school counselor did not adhere to district policy regarding mental health emergencies. According to Surrey schools policy, a response plan is required for students during critical incidents. The Donovans assert that Felicity was assessed as high-risk but did not receive the necessary resources that could have potentially saved her life.

After requesting a review of Felicity’s counselor, the family was denied. Instead, Surrey schools commissioned an external review of their mental health supports by KPMG. The Donovans attempted to obtain the results of this review but were denied access due to solicitor-client privilege.

“When we walked away from our meeting with the school and with Fraser Health, we didn’t feel that kids were safe,” David Donovan said.

Both Fraser Health and the Surrey school district have declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing privacy concerns regarding Felicity’s status as a student. Following Felicity’s death, Fraser Health made changes to the START program, ensuring that clients are offered an appointment with a different mental health professional if their original appointment is canceled.

The Donovans welcome this change but are calling for further action and a full public account of Felicity’s care. They are seeking damages, a formal apology, and mandatory Indigenous-led mental health and suicide prevention training for staff at Fraser Health and the school district. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Felicity’s family remembers her as a strong teenager with a great sense of humor. They noted her decision to become an organ donor, which allowed her to help others after her passing. “She decided to be an organ donor and her organs were given on Christmas morning,” Laura Donovan said. “Every child is supposed to matter.”