Boy, 13, fatally attacked at middle school. His organs will save lives, family hopes
The family of a 13-year-old boy who was the victim of a fatal attack at a California middle school plans to donate his organs to help other children, police said in a Wednesday statement.
Two juvenile suspects have been arrested in connection with the Sept. 16 assault that fatally injured the student, identified by police only as Diego.
Diego was pronounced clinically dead Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.
"Preparations by Diego’s family are underway for organ donation to transform this tragedy into the gift of life for other children," a statement by Riverside County Sheriff's Department says.
A Thursday Washington Post report details accusations from parents in the Moreno Valley Unified School District claiming the district has a widespread problem with bullying. A "Ditch for Diego” protest was held last Friday.
The Post says video of the attack shows one boy suddenly punching the victim in the head at Landmark Middle School in Moreno Valley, California. The blow was followed by a punch from another boy, which knocked Diego into a concrete pillar.
Two suspects are in custody at Riverside County Juvenile Hall and will face prosecution for the assault, police said Wednesday. No further information was released, due to their ages.
A vigil was held at the school Wednesday evening. Some in attendance called for the resignation of Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Martinrex Kedziora, CBS Los Angeles reports.
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School officials said during a Wednesday press conference that counseling would be available to students and staff following Diego's death.
"This is a life-changing tragedy for everyone involved, including the staff and students at Landmark Middle School," Moreno Valley Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez said in a statement. The city is located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.
Contributing: The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California middle school attack: 13-year-old student dies, 2 arrested
