A 12‑year‑old student named Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa has died in Los Angeles, California, United States, days after suffering a severe head injury during an alleged bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School.
The incident occurred in a school hallway about 10 days before her death when another student struck her in the head with a metal water bottle during an altercation that began as she tried to defend her older sister from a group of bullies.
After being hit, Khimberly complained of intense headaches and was initially taken to an emergency room, where she was sent home. Her condition worsened in the days that followed, and she later collapsed due to what relatives described as a brain hemorrhage.
She was rushed to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, placed in an induced coma, and underwent complex emergency brain surgery. Despite efforts to save her, she died in hospital early on February 25.
Police in Los Angeles have launched a homicide investigation into her death, saying the case is being treated as a criminal matter and that they are cooperating with the school district as they review the circumstances of the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
Family members recalled that Khimberly was a joyful and ambitious child who loved her family, music, volleyball, and walks with her dogs.
Outside Reseda Charter High School, community members have gathered at a memorial set up in her honour, mourning the loss and calling for better safety measures to protect students from bullying and violence in schools.
The Los Angeles Unified School District said it is deeply saddened by her death, offered condolences to her family and the school community, and pledged to provide counselling and support services to those affected while cooperating with investigators.
