Family Says 12‑Year‑Old Died 10 Days After Bully Threw Metal Water Bottle at Her Head

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a homicide investigation following the heartbreaking death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta, a student at Reseda High School.

Khimberly tragically pᴀssed away on February 25 after sustaining a severe brain injury when she was hit in the head with a metal water bottle thrown by another student.

Khimberly, who had been in a coma for several days and underwent brain surgery, pᴀssed away early Wednesday morning at the hospital.

Her mother, Elma Chuquipa, expressed the unimaginable grief of losing her daughter. “I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again,” she said, her words filled with sorrow.

The incident, which took place at Reseda High School, occurred after Khimberly tried to protect her younger sister from alleged bullying.

In a powerful show of support, a group of students held a protest at the school on Friday, demanding justice for Khimberly.

“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,” said Dayari Diaz, Khimberly’s close friend who helped organize the protest.

Dayari, also a student at the school, voiced frustration with the school’s response. “We want justice for her. The school is not doing anything,” she said.

The tragic event has sparked outrage among students and the local community, who are demanding accountability.

According to Khimberly’s family, the young girl had severe headaches in the days following the incident and was taken to the emergency room.

However, she was sent home, and the family claims that the seriousness of her condition was not recognized.

Days later, Khimberly collapsed at home due to a brain hemorrhage and was rushed back to the hospital.

The damage was severe, with major blood vessels in her brain rupturing.

Khimberly was immediately transferred to UCLA Children’s Hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma and underwent complex emergency brain surgery.

Despite the family’s hopes and prayers, Khimberly’s heart tragically gave out at 3:30 a.m. on the day of her pᴀssing.

The GoFundMe page set up by her family to help cover medical expenses 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 Unified School District (LAUSD) responded to the tragedy, expressing deep sadness over the loss of the young student.

While the district was unable to share specific details due to confidentiality, a spokesperson said, “The District remains committed to providing support to students, staff, and families affected by this loss, including counseling services and additional resources on campus.”

Khimberly, the youngest of her family, was described as a shining light who brought joy to everyone around her.

“As the baby of our family, she brought a special light and joy into our lives,” her family said.

“She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future.”

Her pᴀssing leaves a deep void, and her family, friends, and community are left to grapple with the loss of a vibrant young girl who had so much potential and so much love to give.

The call for justice continues to echo through the halls of Reseda High School, where students and families demand accountability for the actions that led to this devastating loss.

Khimberly’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her tragic death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the impact of bullying and the need for greater protection for vulnerable students.