Incident at Benjamin Franklin High School
An 18-year-old student at Benjamin Franklin High School in Los Angeles has died after a tragic fall from a four-story building. The event, which occurred on Wednesday, September 30, was recorded, capturing the moments leading up to the student's fatal jump.
Details of the Altercation
According to reports, the victim was subjected to both verbal and physical abuse by a fellow student. Although a teacher attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, the aggressor continued the assault, knocking the victim to the ground. Following the confrontation, the attacker was heard shouting, “Run, n*a — run.” The victim fled down an outdoor hallway with the assailant in pursuit, ultimately climbing over the balcony railing and falling four stories.
Official Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they were notified of the incident at approximately 1 p.m. on September 30. While authorities continue to review video footage and conduct witness interviews, they have noted that preliminary evidence suggests the victim was not being actively chased or directly threatened at the exact moment he went over the railing. As of now, the names of those involved have not been released, and it remains unclear if any criminal charges have been filed.
School Response and Support
Marine Davtyan, the school’s principal, addressed the tragedy in a statement to the school community. Citing privacy laws, the administration has been limited in the details they can disclose.
“We recognize that events such as this can affect students and staff in different ways. The well-being of our school community remains our top priority,” Davtyan stated.
In the wake of the incident, the school has made mental health professionals and crisis counselors available to provide support for students and staff affected by the loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.