Diamond Bar H.S. Cheerleader Dies, Memorial Services This Weekend

The community of Diamond Bar High School has been mourning the loss this week of one of their own, Danika Tibayan.

Tibayan, a senior at the school and cheerleader, died Nov. 30.  She was 17.

"We have received official word that Danika Tibayan, a senior at our high school, passed away after her recent hospitalization," school principal Catherine Real wrote in an email to parents, which she shared with Diamond Bar-Walnut Patch.  "In a final act of generosity, her family chose to give others a second chance at life by participating in the organ donation program."

"As a school, we would like to celebrate her life and be thankful for the time we shared with her," Real said.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time."

Tibayan was hospitalized for about a week, after collapsing from an apparent asthma attack, according to reports from friends on Facebook and online forums.

A Facebook page that was dedicated to updating her loved ones on her condition gained a following of nearly 14,500 fans from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7. 

Posts on that page indicated that Tibayan suffered seizures while hospitalized, and was ultimately declared brain dead.  

Photos and well-wishes posted show the massive support she and her family received from the community-- both in person and through Facebook and Twitter.

A viewing was held Thursday night, and memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8:

• 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Viewing at Forest Lawn, Covina Hills
• 2 p.m.:  Graveside services