The family of a 12-year-old Georgia girl who died days after collapsing following a fight near her school bus stop is calling for a transparent investigation, as authorities review evidence and await autopsy results.
Jada West, a sixth grader at Mason Creek Middle School in Douglas County west of Atlanta, was hospitalized after a fight on March 5 in her Villa Rica neighborhood, according to family members. She died days later.
Cellphone video of the fight shows West briefly wrestle with another girl before they both fall to the ground. It appears West hit her head on the asphalt but gets up and walks away. Within minutes, police officers were dispatched after receiving a report of a juvenile in cardiac arrest in the street.
“When we actually arrived, paramedics were on the scene, and they were already loading her up and performing CPR,” Sgt. Spencer Crawford, a police spokesman, told local news reporters. “Paramedics told us there was an adult on the scene performing CPR when they arrived.”
Investigators are reviewing evidence, including the cellphone video of the fight. They will thenconsult with prosecutors, who will decide whether any charges will be filed.
Cellphone video of the fight, which has circulated widely on social media, shows two girls arguing at an intersection near West’s home as a group of students looks on. The footage shows both girls setting down their backpacks and exchanging punches before falling to the pavement. After a brief struggle, both stand up as an adult intervenes. West appears to walk away at the end of the clip.
It remains unclear what happened next. Authorities said West did not make it home before collapsing.
West’s mother, Rashunda McClendon, posted on social media asking for prayers when her daughter was hospitalized. A relative later announced West’s death in a separate post.
Douglas County District Attorney Dalia Racine told local reporters her office is aware of the investigation but declined further comment.
West was described by Douglas County School System in a statement to local reporters as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” The school district reiterated that the incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there was no indication the bus stop fight was related to prior on-campus activity.
Shaquille O’Neal Donates to West’s Family
Meanwhile, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal said he is covering funeral expenses for West after learning about her death.
“Jada’s story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said in a statement to local news reporters. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”
O’Neal, who serves as director of community relations for the nearby Henry County Sheriff’s Office, said the community should support the family during the difficult time.
“Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment,” he said.
Near the scene of the fight, a small memorial was erected in West’s honor. A sign read “RIP JADA WEST” alongside flowers and other tributes.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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