A community in Douglas Country, Georgia is mourning the death of 12-year-old Jada West, a student at Mason Creek Middle School. The student passed away from a brain injury following an after-school fight with a fellow student after getting off a school bus.
Prior to the physical altercation, West allegedly got into an argument on the school bus on Thursday, 5 March, which escalated into a brawl as students disembarked. A video of the fight has since circulated online, drawing attention from authorities, the school district, and West's grieving family.
Video of the Incident Circulates Online
In a video posted on Facebook by West's aunt, De'Quala McClendon, West is seen having a heated argument with another girl. In the footage, West can be heard saying, 'Okay, but I don't even know you. I don't know your name... so please walk your a** to your house.'
The argument quickly turned physical. The video appears to show the other girl striking West first, which was confirmed by another student present in the scene. During the fight, a friend of West's attempted to de-escalate the situation, shouting, 'No, Jada!'
The two students continued trading blows until West was forced to the ground. A friend can be heard exclaiming: 'Oh my God, Jada!' It remains unclear if she sustained her fatal injury during the fall or from the punches.
Following the fight, West stood up and walked away, appearing to be unharmed. She later collapsed on her way home. A friend rushed to alert West's mother, Rashunda McLendon, who hurried to the scene. McLendon recalled, 'And she was on the ground... She wasn't breathing.'
West was taken first to Tanner Medical Center and then transferred to the Children's Hospital Scottish Rite, where she tragically died.
See De'Quala McClendon's full post here:
Police Investigation Underway
The Villa Rica Police Department, alongside the district attorney's office, is reviewing video evidence to determine whether charges are warranted.
Authorities have not yet confirmed West's official cause of death, and her family is waiting for autopsy results. Investigators are also working to establish what sparked the initial argument on the bus.
Family Calls for Justice and Answers
West's mother told Fox 5 Atlanta that her daughter just started school at Mason Creek and had to deal with bullying. 'I don't understand,' she said, struggling to come to terms with the loss of her child.
McLendon added, 'I'm angry. We have to teach our children. I'm angry. What happened to the love? We lost our love, people. Teach your children to love.'
West's aunt echoed the call for justice, 'We just want justice for my niece. This has got to stop. And we are going to keep saying Jada West's name'.
The family also questioned why the other student involved in the fight was allowed on the school bus and disembark at the bus stop, despite reportedly not living in the neighbourhood.
School District's Statement
Meanwhile, the Douglas County School System released a statement following West's death.
They wrote that they are '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 district clarified that the '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.'
Officials said that both the district and Mason Creek Middle School remain 'fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every student in our care.'
