Middle schooler Jada West, a new student at the school, had been dealing with bullying, according to her parents
Credit: FOX 5 News/Youtube
NEED TO KNOW
• Jada West, 12, collapsed after a fight with another student near her Georgia home
• She fell into a coma and died days later in the hospital
• Police are reviewing fight footage to determine if charges will be filed in the ongoing investigation
A 12-year-old girl is dead after a fight with another student, according to reports.
Jada West, a student at Mason Creek Middle School, collapsed near her home in Villa Rica after getting off the school bus on March 5. She was sent to the children's hospital, Scottish Rite, where she fell into a coma and died on Sunday, March 8, Fox 5 Atlanta and 11Alive reported.
Footage of the fight obtained by 11Alive shows West and another girl fighting in the street and on the ground in front of a group of children. It is not clear what started the fight.
West allegedly got into an argument with a girl on the school bus, which turned into a physical altercation after exiting the bus. She later walked away from the fight heading home when she collapsed, according to the outlets.
Credit: Google Maps
One of West’s friends ran to her home and told her parents she had collapsed. The preteen was rushed to Tanner Medical Center first, before being transported to Scottish Rite, per Fox 5 Atlanta and 11Alive.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death, Fox 5 Atlanta repots.
West was a new student at Mason Creek Middle School, who started in January. According to her parents, she had experienced bullying at school.
"I don't understand. And she was on the ground, she wasn't breathing," West’s mother, Rashuna McLendon, told Fox 5 Atlanta. "I'm so angry. We have to teach our children to love.”
West’s family told Fox 5 Atlanta that they are wondering why the girl allegedly involved in the fight was on the school bus, as she does not live in the same neighborhood.
Credit: The Villa Rica Police Department Facebook
The Villa Rica Police Department (VRPD) is reportedly investigating the incident. A cause of death has not been confirmed at this time.
The Douglas County School System (DCSS) said in a statement, per Fox 5 Atlanta, “[We are] deeply saddened by the passing of a student at Mason Creek Middle School. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be remembered by her teachers, her classmates, and all who knew her.”
“…Any situation that results in harm to a child is one we take with the highest level of urgency,” the DCSS continued. “This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity. Therefore, this matter is under the jurisdiction of the VRPD.”
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The VRPD and Douglas County District Attorney’s Office are reviewing videos of the fight to assess any possible charges linked to the incident, per Fox 5 Atlanta.
PEOPLE has contacted the Douglas County School System, VRPD and Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for comment.
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