12-Year-Old Girl Dies After Alleged Bullying Incident at School

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa suffered a brain hemorrhage and died 10 days after being hit in the head with a water bottle by another student.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:31am

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A 12-year-old girl named Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa died in the hospital on February 25th after she underwent brain surgery related to an incident 10 days earlier where she was allegedly hit in the head with a metal water bottle by another student at her Los Angeles school. Chuquipa's family said she suffered severe headaches in the days after the incident but was sent home from the emergency room. Days later, she collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent complex emergency brain surgery but ultimately died.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the serious consequences that can result from bullying and violence in schools. It raises questions about school safety protocols, the need for better intervention and support for students experiencing bullying, and the importance of taking head injuries seriously, even when initial symptoms may seem mild.

The details

According to reports, the incident occurred in a hallway at Reseda High School, a charter school in Los Angeles that educates students from grades 6-12. Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, a 6th grader, was allegedly hit in the head with a metal water bottle by another student. In the days after, Chuquipa suffered severe headaches but was sent home from the emergency room. Several days later, she collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage and was rushed to UCLA Children's Hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery. However, she ultimately died on February 25th at the age of 12.

  • The alleged bullying incident occurred 10 days before Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's death, on an unspecified date.
  • Chuquipa suffered severe headaches in the days after the incident but was sent home from the emergency room.
  • Several days after the incident, Chuquipa collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital.
  • Chuquipa underwent emergency brain surgery but died on February 25, 2026 at the age of 12.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa

A 12-year-old 6th grade student at Reseda High School in Los Angeles who died following an alleged bullying incident at her school.

Elma

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's mother, who said she is "devastated" and "full of pain" over her daughter's death.

Guy Gazit

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's uncle, who called her death a "cautionary tale" and a "fear of every parent".

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

The police department investigating Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's death as a homicide.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

The school district that oversees Reseda High School, which expressed deep sadness over Chuquipa's death and said it is cooperating with law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“I'm devastated. I'm full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again.”

— Elma, Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's mother

“It's a cautionary tale that this should not happen to anybody's kid. 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.”

— Guy Gazit, Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's uncle

What’s next

The Los Angeles Police Department is continuing its investigation into Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's death, which is being treated as a homicide. The Los Angeles Unified School District has said it is cooperating with law enforcement and providing support and counseling services to the school community.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for schools, parents, and communities to prioritize student safety and take swift action to address bullying and violence. It serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from even a single act of aggression, and highlights the importance of providing robust mental health resources and support for students.