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| 25 January 2001 - The San Diego Union-Tribune 14-year-old honored with memorial and rally against alcohol By Angola Lau and Joe Hughes Nia Coleman, the teen who died after being found unconscious at Mira Mesa Community Park Tuesday night, was just 14 years old. A high school freshman. Not even old enough to drive. But during her short life, she proved loyal to her friends and a source of good cheer for anyone who was down, those who knew her said yesterday. And yesterday, those friends made a pilgrimage to the park, creating a makeshift memorial on a rainy day as a reminder that she will no longer be around to dry friends' tears or provide words of encouragement. "She was a fun-loving person and a good friend who was great to be around," said a tearful Billy Girbes, 15. "She loved to ice skate and hangout" The teen was found unconscious at 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, partially disrobed and bloodied, on an abandoned couch in a secluded northwest corner of the park at New Salem Street. She died at Children's Hospital hours later. No one knows how Nia died. An autopsy was performed yesterday, but determination of the cause of death will await toxicological tests. That could take weeks. Authorities, however, say there was evidence the girl was drinking and had sex at the park before she died. That prompted about a dozen members community organizations to hold a rally at park yesterday morning, where they condemned underage drinking and lashed out at those who provide alcohol to youth. "Why is this a safe place that is not safe?" said Jessica Ripley of the Safety Wellness Advocacy Coalition. Authorities are not sure if alcohol played a role in the death. Yesterday afternoon, police arrested Mira Mesa High School student Sean Sebastian Smith on suspicion of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor – Nia. He was booked into the county jail. "We have been told he and the girl left the group and went off to an area of the park," homicide Lt. Ray Sigwalt said. "Then he returned to the group alone and said the girl was dead." Some panicked, others called 911. Sean left with friends, Sigwalt said. After school yesterday, several angry teens hauled the couch to a Dumpster. Many who went to the park screamed out their emotions and hugged each other. Others knelt in front of candles, balloons, a black teddy bear and a neon pink sign that said: "We love you and we will miss you." Some said they were aware of the hangout, where some teens went after school, but said they had not heard of sex, drinking or drug use there. Others said they spend their time at the Epicenter – the San Diego Regional Teen Center – a social service agency next to the park. The music teacher at the Epicenter said Nia was a talented singer. "I wish this incident had never happened," said Jim Diez, the center's music program director. Epicenter spokeswoman Denise Hosford said the center does not allow alcohol or drugs and has not had alcohol- or drug-related problems in its three years adjacent to the park. The teen center abuts a San Diego police storefront station. One of Nia's best friends, Annie Le, said she didn't think Nia used drugs or alcohol. "She was just really funny, and she was always there for you," Annie said. Others described Nia as cool, lively, loyal, caring and always cheering up friends who were depressed. Many of those who attended were angry that members of the media were there. One tried to chase off reporters. "Someone died here!" he yelled. "This is not a. circus!" Trying to comfort the grieving teens was a woman whose grandchild attends Mira Mesa High. She said she hopes youths and parents will learn from the loss. "We are not perfect. She made a mistake last night, and that mistake took her life," said Helen Griffith, 60. "Even parents can learn a lesson from this – we have to be more cautious with where our kids are. "Whoever dumped the couch there, it's their fault. That's where little guys entice little girls," she said. At the high school, there was shock and sadness. Principal Rachel Flanagan said students were crying and upset. School administrators sent memos to teachers in the morning, telling them of the death. An 11th,grader, Gerard DeGuzman, said he was "really depressed" and was worried the incident would "taint our name" among outsiders who don't know the school well. Nia's family declined to comment yesterday. The center has opened a hotline for teens who want to talk about their thoughts. The number is (888) 999-TEEN. Article Snapshot (16K) |
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