LOS ANGELES — The family of Xavier Amaya, a 17-year-old student who died after falling from a fourth-floor balcony at Benjamin Franklin High School in Highland Park, says he had been bullied in the days before his death.
Los Angeles police are investigating the September 30 incident. Authorities have not announced a final finding on how or why Amaya went over the balcony railing, and they have not made a finding that bullying caused his death.
What happened at Franklin High School
Police responded shortly after 1 p.m. to the campus in the 800 block of North Avenue 54. Amaya was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Witnesses told local reporters that a physical altercation occurred in a fourth-floor classroom before the fall. Reporting describes a student leaving the classroom and moving along the corridor before going over the railing. The circumstances remain under investigation.
Amaya’s family identified him publicly and told ABC7 that he had been bullied. The family raised concerns about how he was treated in the days leading up to his death. Those statements are allegations by the family; the Los Angeles Police Department has not released its investigative findings.
School community response
Benjamin Franklin High School was placed on lockdown after the incident. Los Angeles Unified School District said grief counselors were available for students and staff as the investigation continues.
Students and community members gathered at a vigil to remember Amaya. His death has prompted renewed concern about student safety, bullying, and the support available to young people experiencing distress.
What investigators may examine
The investigation may examine the events before the fall, any prior reports to the school, the supervision and response provided that day, available video, and the school’s policies for bullying, student safety, and crisis response. A report of bullying does not by itself establish legal responsibility. The facts and applicable law determine whether any claim exists.
Support for students and families
Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. People in emotional distress, or those concerned about someone else, can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Families coping with a serious loss may also want to understand their options and preserve available evidence. TORKLAW’s Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle complex injury and wrongful-death matters. Readers can review the firm’s personal injury FAQs, explore case results, or request a free case evaluation.
This is a developing story. TORKLAW will update this article if investigators release material new information.