CHADBOURN, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) - Sheriffs from Georgia and Florida are partnering with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal to honor the four girls who died in an Aug. 30 house fire in North Carolina.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office, of Georgia, said the partnership is a joint donation that “fully covers the expenses associated with honoring the girls, lifting the financial burden from the grieving family.”
“As a father, my heart is broken for the Ellis family,” O’Neal said. “What I can offer is love, support, and a promise that their lives will not be forgotten.”
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A spokesperson with the department said O’Neal has been moved by the tragedy, which inspired Sheriff Reginald Scandrett and other law enforcement leaders to offer support.
“The loss the Ellis family has endured is one that shakes us all to our core,” said Scandrett. “Our goal is to remind them they do not walk this journey alone.”
Four girls were killed in an Aug. 30 house fire.
Four girls were killed in an Aug. 30 house fire.(WECT)
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office says deputies from their department will be at the Saturday memorial service honoring the four sisters.
“The loss of four young girls is unimaginable, and while nothing can replace their lives, we wanted the family to feel the love, compassion, and solidarity that reaches far beyond county or state lines,“ the sheriff’s office spokesperson said. ”It’s about showing them they are not alone in their grief, and that an entire law enforcement community is standing with them.”
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