A 13-year-old boy named Diego who was hospitalized after being sucker-punched during a fight at a Moreno Valley, CA middle school campus has died. Preparations by Diego’s family are underway for organ donation to transform this tragedy into the gift of life for other children.
A 5th grade girl was killed during a fight at a South Carolina school in 2019.
Diego was critically injured in a Sept. 16, 2019 attack at Landmark Middle School.
Two boys, also 13, have been arrested in connection with the assault. The boys remain in custody at the Riverside County Juvenile Hall, and are facing prosecution.
Days after the fight, Diego’s condition had been updated to stable but critical condition. On Wednesday September 24 Diego was pronounced clinically dead as a result of injuries sustained in the attack.
Rigorous medical intervention and treatment efforts at an area hospital were unsuccessful.
On September 16 deputies were called to a fight involving students at the school in the afternoon around 1 pm.
Diego was hit in the face by one student, and then sucker-punched on the side of his head by another student. The second punch caused Diego to fall and hit his head against a pillar.
The boy who hit Diego first then hurried over to punch him again while he was on the ground. That boy eventually ran off. Diego was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Students at the school said that Diego had been previously bullied, including on social media. The students also stated that fights go on all the time at the school and nothing is ever done about it.
School Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora says:
“If a student exhibits violence against another student– when we find out something, we address it. We will make sure the appropriate support, the appropriate consequences, the appropriate measures are taken ”
The school district will provide additional counselors and support personnel on campus to help students employees and families.
