'Life-changing tragedy': Boy, 13, dies after being 'sucker punched' at school
A 13-year-old boy has been declared “clinically dead” after an alleged attack involving two students.
The teenager, only identified as Diego, was assaulted at a middle school in Southern California on September 16, police said.
Footage posted online showed the teen being hit in the head by one boy before another person lashes out, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The 13-year-old had been ‘sucker punched’, multiple US news outlets reported.
As he collapses to the ground, Diego’s head looks as if it hits a concrete pillar.
The teen’s death was confirmed by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on Facebook, saying he died as a result of the injuries he sustained during the attack.
“Rigorous medical intervention and treatment efforts at an area hospital were unsuccessful,” the sheriff’s department said on Facebook.
“Preparations by Diego’s family are underway for organ donation to transform this tragedy into the gift of life for other children.”
Two juveniles could face prosecution in the assault and police confirmed they remain in the custody of Riverside County Juvenile Hall.
Officials have not said if the charges against the pair have been increased because of the boy’s death.
Due to the victim and the two suspects being underage, authorities have not released any more details about the incident publicly.
A classmate of Diego told US news outlet KTLA the teen had been bullied in the past and the classmate suggested violence was an ongoing problem at the school.
According to Moreno Valley Matters, a community Facebook page, a candlelit vigil was planned at the middle school on Wednesday night (local time).
The Moreno Valley Unified School District said it would provide counsellors at Landmark, according to The Associated Press.
“This is a life-changing tragedy for everyone involved, including the staff and students at Landmark Middle School,” Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez said in a statement.
Moreno Valley is a city of about 194,000 people and is located 97 kilometres east of Los Angeles.
– With AP
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