Girl, 12, dies after alleged school bully threw metal water bottle at her head

LOS ANGELES (WKRC) – A 12-year-old girl died after what her family says began as a bullying incident inside a Los Angeles school.

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa died Feb. 25 following brain surgery related to an incident in which she was allegedly struck in the head with a metal water bottle by another student, according to KTLA.

Her family said she experienced severe headaches in the days after the incident and was initially sent home from the emergency room, reports Fox 11. She later collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage and was hospitalized.

“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,” a GoFundMe page stated. “Her family remained by her side, praying and hoping she would come home, but at 3:30 a.m., her heart gave out.”

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death as a homicide.

“As the baby of our family, she brought a special light and joy into our lives,” her family wrote on the GoFundMe page. “She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future.”

Chuquipa’s mother, Elma, told NBC 4 Los Angeles, “I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again.”

Her uncle, Guy Gazit, told Fox 11, “It’s a cautionary tale that this should not happen to anybody’s kid.” He added, “Its a fear of every parent, every uncle and every brother and every loved one to lose someone, but especially when it is someone who is so young that did nothing wrong to anybody.”

Chuquipa attended Reseda High, a charter school serving grades six through 12. A memorial has been set up outside the school.

In a statement, which Fox 11 published, a Los Angeles Unified School District spokesperson said the district “is deeply saddened by the death of a Reseda High School student.” The spokesperson added, “Our thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and the entire school community.” The district said it is cooperating with law enforcement and providing counseling services.