Back in 2011, three high school students in Florida committed suicide after being hypnotized by their principal. The students of North Port High School died within two months of each other; two hanged themselves and one drove off the freeway. The Principal of the school, George Kenney is believed to have hypnotized up to 75 students as well as members of staff to improve their concentration.

Kenney resigned in 2012, however, the families of the three students will each be paid $200,000 after the lawsuit settlement. The former principal was convicted of practicing hypnosis without a proper license. The Sarasota County School District Executive Director of High Schools, warned Kenney at least three times not to practice hypnosis. It is not believed that Kenney hypnotized the students with any malicious intent.

There is no scientific link between hypnosis and suicide risk, however, it is believed it can trigger mental health is issues.

Kenney now lives in North Carolina and runs a bed and breakfast. After the deaths he continued to sell hypnosis cds on Amazon,