A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the community of Reseda, Los Angeles, after a GoFundMe campaign raised more than $73,000 to support the family of Khimberly Chuquipa Zavaleta, a 12-year-old student who died days after suffering a fatal head injury during a school bullying incident.
Khimberly, a student at Reseda Charter High School, was struck in the head with a metal water bottle while at school. According to family members, the blow occurred as she was trying to defend her sister in a hallway confrontation. What began as a moment of courage would soon turn into an unimaginable tragedy.
A Rapid Medical Decline
After the incident, Khimberly was initially taken to an emergency room, where she received treatment and was later sent home. But her condition quickly worsened. She suffered a brain hemorrhage, was placed into an induced coma, and underwent emergency brain surgery at UCLA Children’s Hospital.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Khimberly’s heart stopped at 3:30 a.m. on February 25.
“The Baby of Our Family”
Family members describe Khimberly as “the baby of our family” — a gentle, joyful child who loved music, volleyball, and taking walks with her two dogs. She had dreams for her future and a personality that filled rooms with warmth.
Those closest to her say her loss has left an unfillable void.
Community Support and a Growing Call for Change
The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Help Khimberly’s Family After Deadly School Bullying,” was created by family friend Guy Gazit. The funds are intended to cover funeral and burial costs, ongoing medical bills, and expenses tied to Khimberly’s emergency care.
Beyond financial support, the fundraiser carries a powerful message. As written on the campaign page:
“Her life mattered — and bullying must be stopped.”
