Photo: Jada West Family/Fox 5 Atlantas
Twelve-year-old Jada West, a student at Mason Creek Middle School in Douglas County, Georgia, died days after a fight that happened shortly after she got off the school bus.
West collapsed near her home in Villa Rica on March 5 following an altercation with another student that reportedly began as an argument on the bus and continued after the students exited, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Video obtained by 11Alive shows West and another girl fighting in the street while other children stood nearby. The reason for the altercation has not been confirmed.
After the fight ended, West reportedly walked away and headed toward home before collapsing. A friend ran to notify her parents.
West was first taken to Tanner Medical Center before being transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where she fell into a coma and later died on March 8, the outlets reported.
Authorities have not yet determined the official cause of death. An autopsy is underway.
West had recently enrolled at Mason Creek Middle School in January, and her family told FOX 5 Atlanta that she had experienced bullying since starting at the school.
“I don’t understand. And she was on the ground, she wasn’t breathing,” West’s mother, Rashuna McLendon, said. “I’m so angry. We have to teach our children to love.”
The family has also raised questions about how the other girl involved in the altercation ended up on the same school bus, telling FOX 5 Atlanta they believe she does not live in their neighborhood.
The Villa Rica Police Department is investigating the incident, and officials say the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing video of the fight to determine whether charges could be filed.
In a statement shared with media outlets, the Douglas County School System said it was “deeply saddened” by the student’s death.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the district said in part, noting that the incident did not occur on school property or during school hours.
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