A 12-year-old girl has tragically died after a bully at her Los Angeles high school threw a metal water bottle at her head — leading police to open a homicide investigation.
The young victim, Khimberly Zavaleta, was hit in the hallway of Reseda High School last week, her family said. She was taken to the emergency room for treatment and later sent home.
Days later, she collapsed and suffered a brain hemorrhage, according to KTLA.
“Major blood vessels in her brain ruptured, and she was rushed to UCLA Children’s hospital, placed in an induced coma, and underwent complex emergency brain surgery,” read a message on the family’s GoFundMe page.
“Her family remained by her side, praying and hoping she would come home, but at 3:30AM, her heart gave out.”
The LAPD is now investigating the the alleged attack as a homicide.
Khimberly was struck with the bottle while trying to protect her sister from the alleged bully, NBC Los Angeles reported.
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“I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again,’ Khimberly’s mother, Elma Chuquipa, told NBC.
Students at the school held a demonstration Friday in support of their dead classmate, leaving flowers and speaking out against the alleged attack.
“We want justice for her,” Khimberly’s friend, Dayari Diaz, told NBC. “The school is not doing anything.”
The LA Unified School District issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by the death.”
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and the entire school community,” the statement read. “Out of respect for the family and to protect confidentiality, we cannot share details.”
Khimberly’s loved ones described her as the “baby of our family,” who “brought a special light and joy into our lives.”
“She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future,” a message on the GoFundMe read.
“Her passing has left our family in unimaginable pain,” the note continued. “No parents should ever have to endure the loss of their youngest child.”