The Washoe County School District has responded to Our Town Reno when asked about pending wrongful death lawsuits forwarded to us, in which the City of Sparks is also named, concerning a student’s reported suicide in November 2024.
“The Washoe County School District (WCSD) is saddened by the death of any of our students. The safety and security of our students and staff is always our highest priority,” a communications official wrote back todat.
“WCSD has not been served with any lawsuits related to this matter, and it would be inappropriate to comment on a lawsuit or allegations that we have not seen.”
A Communications Coordinator for Sparks Withanee Milligan wrote back to Our Town Reno that “the city does not comment on pending litigation.”
A press statement from Kady Casullo-Mailloux Our Town Reno received today is titled “Pacific West Injury Law Files Wrongful Death Lawsuits on Behalf of the Family of Kellen Schatz.”
“Pacific West Injury Law has filed two wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of the family of 12-year-old Kellen Schatz, who died by suicide in November 2024. The lawsuits name the Washoe County School District and the City of Sparks, alleging failures to protect Kellen from persistent bullying and to respond adequately when his mother called 911 the night of his death,” the statement indicates.
“This case is about accountability and about protecting children,” said attorney Kirill Mikhaylov of Pacific West Injury Law.