Death of 17-year-old Benjamin Franklin High School student sparks debate over bullying and school safety
A 17-year-old student, identified by family as Xavier Nungaray, died after falling from a fourth-floor balcony at Benjamin Franklin High School in Highland Park, Los Angeles, on Wednesday, September 30. The incident prompted a three-hour lockdown and a death investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). While LAPD stated there was no evidence of foul play, circulating videos appear to show a confrontation prior to the fall. Family members allege the student faced persistent bullying since his sophomore year, prompting calls for an audit of anti-bullying policies. A GoFundMe page raised over $169,000 for funeral expenses, and hundreds gathered at a memorial on Thursday. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has deployed crisis counselors and substitute teachers to support the school community.