Tragically, a 12-year-old girl passed away following a brutal altercation with a fellow student after they disembarked from a school bus.
Jada West died from a brain injury just hours after being involved in a street fight on Thursday in Villa Rica, near Atlanta, Georgia, as reported by Fox5.
Video footage that has surfaced online captures the intense confrontation between the two girls, who appeared to be arguing over being removed from the bus shortly after 5 p.m.
In the recording, an onlooker comments, “She made all these people get off the bus,” capturing the scene’s tension.
During the video, West is heard expressing confusion about the identity of the person she was arguing with.
Another voice in the background questions, “Who is gonna fight you over some noise?” adding to the chaotic exchange.
Heated words were exchanged between the pair, who police confirmed to the Daily Mail are both Mason Creek Middle School students, before a violent fight broke out in the street.
‘Everybody know I kick a** so please don’t start with me,’ the other girl can be heard saying to West.
Jada West, 12, died from a brain injury hours after she was involved in a brawl on the street
West was helped to her feet and able to walk away from the fight, but she later died in hospital
Heated words were swapped back and forth between the pair, who were identified as Mason Creek Middle School students, before a violent fight broke out on the street
West and the girl began punching each other until the pair fell to the ground, with West appearing to fall on her back.
A loud thud could be heard as they fell, and a friend called out: ‘Oh my God, Jada!’
Although West was helped to her feet and able to walk away from the fight, later on she was rushed to hospital after her heart stopped as she made her way home.
Nobody else in the footage has been publicly identified, and Villa Rica Police told the Daily Mail they are investigating the case.
‘We are working in conjunction with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office on the case and as of yet no charges have been filed,’ the department said.
West’s aunt, De’Quala McClendon, wrote on Facebook that the pair didn’t know each other.
‘It may seem like a normal fight, but before my niece could make it home, her heart stopped and now she’s laying in the hospital possibly brain dead with the outcome that she may not make it,’ McClendon wrote.
According to McClendon, the argument began at school and continued on the school bus.
‘They failed my sister’s child because we are broken by this,’ she wrote.
‘Someone who has never been in trouble or a fight but stood her ground against a bully… she is only 12 she’s a good kid.
‘She need all of us to stand for her. We need answers… We want justice.’
An adult at the scene also witnessed the fight, according to West’s aunt.
West’s aunt, De’Quala McClendon, said her niece did not know the other girl in the footage
Now, the Villa Rica Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident, Fox 5 reported.
‘The Douglas County School System is deeply saddened by the passing of a student at Mason Creek Middle School,’ The Douglas County School System said in a statement to the outlet.
‘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 statement added that the brawl ‘did not occur on school property or during school hours’ and that the matter was under the jurisdiction of the police department.
‘We recognize that this loss is being felt deeply across our school community,’ they said.
‘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.’
A friend of West’s wrote on Facebook: ‘Jada was one of my best friends. We talked about Katseye before class and taught each other the dances to the songs. We only knew each other for a couple of months, but in those months she quickly became an important part of my life. SAY HER NAME!! SPEAK UP!! JUSTICE FOR JADA WEST!!!’
Her aunt, Secoya Johnson, said her ‘heart is broken.’
‘I wish so badly that you were still with us. You were so young, so love and you did not deserve this. I am going to miss you, your presence and the love you brought to our family,’ Johnson said.
‘I will carry you with me forever and keep your name alive. Rest peacefully baby girl.’
The Daily Mail reached out to the Douglas County School System Superintendent Dr Trent North for comment.
