12-Year-Old Khimberly Zavaleta Passes Away Following Brave Act to Protect Her Sister From a Bully; Homicide Investigation Underway

A community in Los Angeles is mourning the death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta, who tragically passed away following a brave act to protect her sister from a bully. Another student allegedly threw a metal water bottle that struck her head at Reseda High School in Los Angeles, which prompted a homicide investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Khimberly's death has sparked grief among classmates, teachers and her family, who describe her as a joyful presence and the 'baby' of the household.

What Happened at Reseda High School

According to her family, Khimberly stepped in to protect her sister during an alleged bullying incident when another student threw a metal water bottle that struck her in the head in a school hallway in mid-February. Khimberly was taken to the emergency room for treatment of her injuries and was sent home the same day. Days later, she collapsed at home and was rushed to UCLA Children's Hospital, where doctors found that the girl was suffering from a brain haemorrhage. She was placed in an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery, but died in the early hours of 25 February.

On a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral and medical expenses, her family wrote: '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.' They added: 'Her family remained by her side, praying and hoping she would come home, but at 3:30AM, her heart gave out'.

Her mother, Elma Chuquipa, told NBC Los Angeles, 'I'm devastated. I'm full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again.'

Remembering Khimberly

Her family described Khimberly as 'the baby of our family, she 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'. The family added, 'her passing has left our family in unimaginable pain. No parents should ever have to endure the loss of their youngest child'.

Students at Reseda High School held a protest on Friday, 27 February, for their classmate, leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial and calling for action after the alleged attack. Dayari Diaz, a fellow student and Khimberly's friend, said: 'We're all sad. Because she was the one who gave all the energy to us, because she was so happy. She was always happy. She was always smiling.'

'We want justice for her,' Diaz added, saying that 'the school is not doing anything.' According to NBC Los Angeles, the LAPD is now investigating the alleged attack as a homicide.

School District Responds

The Los Angeles Unified School District released a statement saying they were 'deeply saddened by the death of a Reseda High School student.' The district added: 'Our thoughts and condolences are with the student's family, friends, and the entire school community. Out of respect for the family and to protect confidentiality, we cannot share details.'

The statement further read: 'The District remains committed to providing support to students, staff, and families affected by this loss, including counseling services and additional resources on campus'. They also said that the district is taking the 'safety and well-being of our students very seriously.' Officials confirmed they are cooperating fully with the police investigation on the incident.