Xavier Nungaray-Martinez, a 17-year-old student at Benjamin Franklin High School, died by suicide after being assaulted by a classmate and falling over a fourth-floor railing, officials said.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Monday that the teenager died September 30 from multiple blunt-force injuries to his head and torso.
The determination that the death was a suicide adds a significant development to the Los Angeles Police Department’s investigation into Xavier’s final moments.
Video showing the incident appeared to capture Xavier being verbally taunted and repeatedly punched by a classmate inside a classroom, while an elderly teacher tried urgently to intervene.
The student, who was wearing a black backpack, continued striking Xavier and eventually knocked him to the floor.
The video also appeared to show the classmate taunting Xavier and saying, “Run, n—a — run.”
After standing up, Xavier ran into an outdoor hallway with the other student following him. Moments later, he went over a fourth-floor railing.
Xavier’s family has said he endured bullying throughout high school. They described him as a caring, quiet teenager who was reluctant to speak about what he had been experiencing.
Police were notified of the fall at about 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 30. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took Xavier to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Benjamin Franklin High School was placed on lockdown after the incident as LAPD and Los Angeles School Police officers responded and began investigating the death.
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Police did not initially release the identity or age of the student involved in the classroom altercation, and authorities had not announced criminal charges against him in the immediate aftermath.
LAPD initially said there was no evidence of foul play, while emphasizing that the circumstances surrounding the fall were still under investigation.
In a message to parents, Benjamin Franklin High School Principal Marine Davtyan said, “The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff continues to be our top priority.” She added that the medical emergency had prompted the campus lockdown.
School officials said mental health professionals and support staff would be available to students after the tragedy, including counseling and a safe place for those who wanted to talk.
A vigil was held for Xavier, drawing students, families and community members who gathered to remember him. Classmates described him as a caring, supportive friend who was known for his smile.
Xavier’s mother, Lilia Nungaray, is raising money following the heartbreaking loss.
“Losing a child is an unimaginable pain, and this family is now facing the emotional weight of grief while also trying to make arrangements to honor his life,” she wrote. “His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.”
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $180,000 toward its $200,000 goal.
The family’s fundraiser describes Xavier as “a beautiful, caring and loving boy.” The money will help cover funeral services and reduce the financial strain on his family after his death.
Friends and relatives have also remembered the 17-year-old as funny, caring and supportive of those around him.
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