Bullied high schooler’s cause of death revealed by coroner after horrific final moment caught on camera

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Xavier Nungaray-Martinez, the 17-year-old Benjamin Franklin High School student who was pummeled by a classmate before falling over a fourth-floor railing, died by suicide, according to officials.

The teen died from multiple blunt traumatic injuries to the head and torso on September 30, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Monday.

The medical examiner determined the manner of death was suicide, a finding that adds a new development to the LAPD’s ongoing investigation into the teenager’s final moments.

Disturbing video of his final moments showed Nungaray-Martinez being verbally taunted and repeatedly punched by a classmate inside a classroom as an elderly teacher desperately tried to intervene.

The attacker, wearing a black backpack, continued to throw punches, eventually knocking Nungaray-Martinez to the ground.

The video captured the classmate appearing to taunt Nungarary, saying, “Run, n—a — run.”

After getting back to his feet, Nungaray-Martinez ran into an outdoor hallway, with the other student following behind. Moments later, the teenager threw himself over a fourth-floor railing.

Nungaray-Martinez’s family has said he experienced bullying throughout high school, describing him as a caring and quiet teenager who was hesitant to speak up about what he was experiencing.

The fatal fall was reported to police at around 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics rushed the teenager to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. 

The school was placed on lockdown following the incident as LAPD and Los Angeles School Police responded and began investigating the death

The identity and age of the student involved in the classroom altercation were not initially released by police, and authorities had not announced criminal charges against him in the immediate aftermath. 

LAPD initially said there was no evidence of foul play in the death, while stressing that the circumstances surrounding the fall remained 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,” adding that the medical emergency had forced the campus into a lockdown.

School officials also said mental health professionals and support staff would be available to students following the tragedy, offering counseling and a safe space for those who wanted to talk. 

A vigil was also held as students, families and community members gathered to remember the teenager, with classmates describing Xavier as a good friend who was caring, supportive and known for his smile.

Lilia Nungaray, his mom is raising funds after 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 go fund has raised more than 180k of the 200k.

The family’s fundraiser describes Xavier as “a beautiful, caring and loving boy” and says the money will help pay for funeral services while easing the financial burden on the family following his death. 

Friends and relatives have also remembered the 17-year-old as someone who was funny, caring and supportive of the people around him.

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