A New York school district and its officials are facing a federal lawsuit from the parents of a 15-year-old boy who died by suicide in October 2023, hours after being suspended over a sexual assault allegation. The lawsuit, filed in March 2025, alleges that the Chazy Central Rural School district violated the student's constitutional right to due process and state law.
Owen Poirier died outside his family's business in Chazy, a town in upstate New York. According to his family, he was suspended and sent home after being accused of touching a 16-year-old girl on a school bus. The girl reportedly told New York State Police that Poirier had been touching her throughout the week and had touched her genitals over her clothes multiple times on the bus, where surveillance video showed them sharing lunch and him sitting on her lap.
Poirier's family told The Free Press that he was brought into the principal's office and faced the allegations without being given an opportunity to defend himself or having his parents present to ask questions. He denied the accusations, stating, "I'm done." His family also noted that Poirier expressed concern about the potential damage to his reputation, referencing another student at the school who faced similar accusations.
His parents have stated that had they been fully informed, they would not have left him alone. On the car ride home, Poirier maintained his innocence and expressed worry about missing the soccer championship game.
The family brought Owen to their business, where his father left briefly. Upon his return, he discovered his son had died by suicide. The lawsuit claims the school district acted with an "anti-male bias" and engaged in "sex-based bias" in their investigation and disciplinary actions, leading to a "rush to judgment."
Under New York State law, students and parents have the right to request an informal conference to address Title IX violations before a suspension, unless the student poses a danger or disrupts the academic process. Poirier's family contends that this process was not followed.
Following Poirier's death, the school's superintendent reportedly stated in an email that the district did not find evidence of sexual assault. The school district and its officials have denied wrongdoing, asserting they are not liable for the student's death as it occurred off school property. The school's lawyer has stated the email was taken out of context.
Three years after their son's death, the family is still engaged in legal battles and grappling with their loss, finding it difficult to consider their home in Chazy as a place of comfort. The family is also reportedly considering moving from their home.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.