A Highland Park community was gripped by shock and grief after a student at Franklin High School fell from a fourth-floor balcony and died Wednesday.
After Xavier Nungarary, 17, either jumped or fell from the building during the school day, a memorial was set up in front of the school, prompting parents, students and neighbors to bring flowers and candles.
“You think that being at school, they’re safe,” Eleo Rolon, a parent whose daughter knew Xavier, said. “She told me he was a really nice kid. Very quiet.”
Xavier’s mother told NBC Los Angeles that her son was a senior at the school.
The Los Angeles Police Department said there was no evidence of foul play in Xavier’s death, but it is aware of videos circulating on social media that appear to show the teen being verbally attacked by another student inside a classroom.
Other videos appear to show a teacher trying to break up the altercation before Xavier was punched in the face. The 17-year-old then appeared to run down a hall before jumping over the railing of the school’s fourth floor.
Students returned to the classroom Thursday, but some, including Rolon’s daughter, chose to stay home.
“She knew the kid, so I respect that. I let her cope with the loss. And maybe tomorrow, she’ll be better,” Rolon said. “Even for the parents, we didn’t know the kid, but we’re parents. I don’t have the words to say to the parents of that kid, and I hope they get justice. And God bless them.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District said counselors are available on campus.
Students were planning to hold a vigil for Xavier Thursday evening.