A Georgia mother is calling for an end to youth violence after her 12-year-old daughter died from injuries sustained during a fight with another student near a school bus stop.
Jada West, a seventh-grade student who attended Mason Creek Middle School, died after suffering a severe brain injury during a confrontation with another girl shortly after getting off the school bus in Winston.
Her mother, Rashunda McClendon, said the tragedy unfolded rapidly after the fight began.
“I got in the car and drove up there, and she was on the ground. She wasn’t breathing,” McClendon recalled.
Fight Captured on Cellphone Video
According to reports from WSB-TV, cellphone footage shows Jada arguing with several students before the confrontation escalated into a physical fight with another girl.
During the altercation, Jada fell and struck the ground, losing consciousness.
A friend ran to notify McClendon, who rushed to the scene and found her daughter unresponsive.
Medical Emergency and Death
Jada was transported to Tanner Medical Center, where doctors attempted to stabilize her condition.
Family members said she suffered seizures before ultimately dying from cardiac failure caused by the traumatic brain injury.
Her family described Jada as a kind and loving child who had recently moved to the area.
Bullying Concerns Raised
Facebook / McClendon Rashunda
Relatives say Jada had previously experienced conflicts with other students, though they are uncertain what triggered the fight that day.
Her family believes bullying may have played a role in the incident and is calling for accountability.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities with the Villa Rica Police Department are reviewing cellphone footage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the fight.
Police said the evidence will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.
The Douglas County School System said the altercation occurred off school property and outside school hours. District officials added that counseling services are being offered to students and staff affected by the incident.
A Mother’s Plea
As the investigation continues, McClendon said she hopes her daughter’s death will spark broader conversations about bullying and violence among young people.
“It’s gotta stop. It must stop. Violence has to stop,” she said.
