BREAKING: A shocking new docuseries titled “The Principal Who Hypnotized His School” on HBO Max reveals troubling connections between a Florida high school principal’s hypnosis sessions and the untimely deaths of three students. The tragic events at North Port High School have resurfaced serious questions about the principal’s actions during the early 2010s.
New reports confirm that former principal George Kenney held unauthorized hypnosis sessions with students, leading to a legal plea in 2012 for practicing without a license. Between 2006 and 2011, he hypnotized up to 75 students, teachers, and parents on campus, disregarding multiple warnings from school officials.
The tragedy unfolded in spring 2011, when three students died within weeks of each other. Sixteen-year-old football player Marcus Freeman crashed his truck after reportedly freezing at the wheel, leaving his girlfriend Carley O’Boyle as a witness to his unresponsive state. Shortly after, talented guitarist Wesley McKinley died by suicide, followed by senior Brittany Palumbo, who was overwhelmed with academic pressures.
As the community grapples with the implications of Kenney’s hypnosis practices, many wonder if they contributed to these devastating losses. O’Boyle recalls Freeman’s vibrant spirit, now overshadowed by his tragic end. “He was a bright spot in my life, and his loss is still haunting,” she shared.
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis warns that only licensed professionals should administer hypnosis for therapeutic reasons. The families of Freeman, McKinley, and Palumbo have sought justice, resulting in a $600,000 settlement with the Sarasota County School Board in 2015.
Kenney faced minimal repercussions, receiving just a year of probation with no jail time. He retired with a full pension, leaving a community divided over his legacy. Some former students remember him as a dedicated educator, while others are burdened by the unresolved grief surrounding the student deaths.
The docuseries is reigniting conversations about mental health support for students and the ethical considerations of hypnosis in educational settings. As more people tune in, the lingering questions persist: Did Kenney’s hypnosis sessions play a role in the students’ deaths, or are they merely a tragic coincidence?
The investigation continues, and the emotional scars remain fresh for those affected. This evolving story reveals the urgent need for accountability and oversight in schools, as families and communities seek healing and answers.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
