A 12-year-old girl has collapsed and died following an incident on a school bus last week.
Jada West, a student at Mason Creek Middle School in Georgia, reportedly collapsed after getting off her school bus on March 5.
She was taken to hospital, but later died on March 8.
Reports say West had argued with another girl on the bus, said to be someone who did not live in the same neighborhood. Footage obtained by 11Alive is said to show West and another girl involved in a fight in the street.
Afterward, West is believed to have walked away in the direction of her home before collapsing.
Her parents have said she had been dealing with bullying, though it remains unclear what sparked the argument or the circumstances surrounding the fight.
“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.”
“We just want justice for my niece,” added West’s aunt. “This has got to stop. And we are going to keep saying Jada West’s name.”
The Douglas County School System (DCSS) said in a statement: “The Douglas County School System is 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.
“The well-being of our students and staff is of primary importance to our school system. Any situation that results in harm to a child is one we take with the highest level of urgency.
“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 Villa Rica Police Department.
“To protect the privacy of the student and her family, we are not able to share additional details at this time.
“We recognize that this loss is being felt deeply across our school community. A crisis team consisting of psychologists and counselors will be available at Mason Creek Middle School on Tuesday to help grieving students and staff and provide a space for care and support. The Douglas County School System and Mason Creek Middle School remain fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every student in our care.”
The Villa Rica Police Department (VRPD) is looking into the incident, while an autopsy is being carried out to establish West’s cause of death.