A 12-year-old girl tragically died after a suspected 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, but collapsed days later, according to KTLA.
Khimberly returned to the hospital suffering from a brain hemorrhage and spent several days in a coma before succumbing to the horrific injuries.
“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 suspected bully, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Students at Khimberly’s school held a demonstration Friday in support of their dead classmate, leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial and and calling for action after the alleged attack.
“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,” Khimberly’s friend and classmate, Dayari Diaz, told NBC LA.
“We want justice for her,” Diaz added. “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 the girl 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.