Mia Dieguez was caring, but also determined, at such a young age. The 15-year-old, who had dreams about joining the U.S. military, routinely set her mind on something and made sure to go for it, according to her family.
“I hope we can all remember her as the fun, goofy and sweet girl she was and not for the reason of her passing,” her sister, Paola Covarrubias, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday.
Two days after Mia collapsed at Dunwoody High School and later died, more than 100 of her friends circled around the teenager’s family members during a balloon release in her honor Wednesday afternoon at Brook Run Park. Most of those in attendance wore blue shirts — her favorite color — and others tightly held onto blue balloons.
“We love you, Mia!” the crowd yelled in unison, many holding back tears as they released the balloons into the sky.
Adelyn Johnston, a Dunwoody sophomore and a friend of Mia’s, painted a portrait of the teen to give to her family. It was surrounded by what appeared to be a letter to Mia, detailing all the kindness she spread.
“I’m happy to know that the students care for her as much as they do, and maybe with this event we can also bring awareness to the dangers of drugs and encourage students to stop doing them,” Covarrubias said.
Family members suggested on social media that Mia died after she purchased fentanyl-laced drugs from someone at the school Monday. They are waiting for a toxicology report and have called for a thorough investigation.
Ninth grader Jazmine Hernandez said she didn’t know Mia well, but wanted to pay her respects after a friend recently died in a similar way.
“So I know how they feel and I would like to be there for them,” she told the AJC.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
On Tuesday, police arrested and charged a youth with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct after Mia suffered a “medical emergency” as students were taking end-of-year exams Monday, according to Principal Tom Bass. Police did not identify or provide the age of the suspect, who was taken to the DeKalb County Regional Youth Detention Center. It is unclear if that person is a student.
Involuntary manslaughter is not an SB400 offense, which means any person charged with it would be heard in juvenile court, according to DeKalb District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Claire Chaffins. She said the case was still in the preliminary investigative phase.
“Our office will review all of the evidence as we would any case and then make a final charging determination,” Chaffins said.
A school district spokesperson declined to comment on the allegation that drugs were involved. Due to the victim being underage, the DeKalb Medical Examiner’s Office said the case would be pending further “testing, records review and investigative information.”
On Monday, Mia left class to use the restroom, and when she returned, she put her head on her desk, family members told Channel 2 Action News. The teen suddenly fell to the floor, then died at the hospital later that day, the news station reported.
Covarrubias said Mia struggled with undisclosed issues, but she wasn’t at fault for what happened to her.
“We all have hidden secrets that we can’t talk about and I know she fought them daily, but I do want people to know that it wasn’t intentional,” Covarrubias said. “She didn’t want to die, and I wish some people would stop making assumptions about the situation.”
DeKalb School District police continue to investigate the incident. A GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral and other expenses had raised more than $20,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Hernandez remembered seeing Mia’s passion on the soccer field and described her as a sweet girl. Since her death, the laughter in the hallways of the school have been a bit muted, with the mood taking a more serious tone.
“I see that many students haven’t been themselves lately,” she said.
Jordan Davis, a 10th grader, brought white flowers to the park in honor of Mia, whom he met in eighth grade while at Peachtree Middle School. They eventually became good friends.
He acknowledged her personal struggles, but said she remained the “happiest and most positive person” who always made the best of every situation. Davis said he is still processing her death, and misses seeing her smile.
“I thought these would look nice,” he said while holding the bouquet. “I think she would really appreciate it.”
