Family of teen who died by suicide after assault video sues school officials for negligence

The family of Adriana Kuch, a New Jersey teen who tragically took her own life after a video of her being assaulted at her high school was circulated online, has taken legal action against the Central Regional Board of Education and other school officials. The lawsuit, filed by the family's attorneys, alleges that the defendants were aware of a pervasive culture of violence at Central Regional High School and failed to adequately safeguard Adriana.

Legal Action and Allegations

The lawsuit contends that Adriana's suicide was a direct result of the assault and the subsequent online posting of the video, which led to her public humiliation and untimely death. The incident took place in 2023, and the legal action was initiated just days before the one-year anniversary of Adriana's passing.

The legal complaint seeks unspecified damages for allegations including negligence, defamation, and the infliction of emotional distress. Punitive damages are also being pursued in the lawsuit, which was filed in Ocean County, New Jersey, where the school district is located.

Family's Pursuit of Justice

The family's statement emphasized their enduring quest for justice, with Adriana's father, Michael Kuch, expressing, "Adriana was the light of our lives, and one year after her horrific and needless death, we are still waiting for justice."

Defendants and District Response

The suit names several defendants, including the Central Regional Board of Education, the former district superintendent, and high school administrators. However, online court records did not indicate legal representation for the defendants at the time of the report.

In the wake of Adriana's tragic death, the Central Regional School District asserted that it had taken measures to address bullying. The district declined to provide further comments when approached by NBC New York, citing the ongoing litigation.

Impact and Aftermath

The civil lawsuit was instigated following Adriana's death, which sparked walkouts at Central Regional High School and led to the resignation of the district superintendent. The family's legal action underscores the profound impact of bullying and violence in schools, and it is a timely reminder of the imperative for comprehensive measures to prevent such tragic outcomes.

Support Resources

Should you or someone you know require immediate support, please call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or contact the network at 800-273-8255. Additional resources can be accessed by texting HOME to 741741 or visiting SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.