Relentless Bullying Led To Death Of Adams County Teen, Federal Lawsuit Says

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A Pennsylvania family has filed a federal lawsuit claiming their son endured months of unchecked bullying before taking his own life at his East Berlin home on Monday, Dec. 4, according to court documents filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Jonathan “Jonny” M. Tomasello, a 15-year-old student at Bermudian Springs High School in Adams County, died by suicide after what his parents describe as “relentless, extreme, and intolerable” bullying, they say the district failed to stop, as stated in the lawsuit.

Nick and Natalie Tomasello filed the complaint on Monday, Nov. 11, nearly two years after Jonny’s death, alleging school board members, administrators, teachers, and coaches were “fully aware” of daily physical and verbal assaults their son endured.

Jonny, a Young Marine, wrestler, football player, and track athlete, was also on the autism spectrum, which his mother said made him a target for bullies. Students slapped him in the face at wrestling practice, beat him during football practice after he reported an injury, and body-checked him in hallways, according to the filing. An assistant track coach allegedly called him a “fat kid,” and classmates mocked him with slurs and expletives, the lawsuit says.

His parents told the court they repeatedly asked officials to intervene. Jonny also reported the bullying to guidance counselors and therapists and wrote down the names he was called, which were submitted as exhibits in the case. The lawsuit argues the district violated its own anti-bullying policy by failing to investigate or document any of the complaints.

While the district acknowledged the bullying less than a month before his death, the family says no investigation was ever conducted, according to the filing.

The suit lists 10 counts, including four under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, as well as claims under disability and wrongful death laws. The Tomasellos are seeking monetary damages and court-ordered changes to prevent “another needless death,” the complaint states.

Jonny was known for his strong singing voice and his dream of becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot. He wore jersey number 86 on the Bermudian Springs varsity wrestling team and taught himself to play keyboard. His obituary described him as someone who showed up for anyone who needed a friend.

His death has fueled statewide momentum for Senate Bill 982, known as “Jonny’s Law,” which would require every Pennsylvania public school to appoint a bullying compliance officer responsible for collecting reports, notifying parents within 24 hours, and ensuring investigations follow state and district policy.

Jonny’s mother said she hopes the bill will keep other teenagers from being “pushed toward suicide by unchecked bullying.”

A spokesperson for Bermudian Springs School District has not responded to any press requests for comment by any media outlet at the time of publishing.

You can follow "Jonny's Flight" run by his parents on social media. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 24/7 Lifeline at 988.