ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has pledged to cover the funeral expenses for 12-year-old Jada West, who was fatally injured in a violent school bus incident that drew national attention.
“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” said O’Neal, who’s serving as chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.
“Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment.”
Jada West
Jada West(Family)
West died after suffering a severe brain injury during a fight with another student in a neighborhood near Mason Creek Middle School on March 5.
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Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett stressed the importance of community support in times of tragedy.
“The loss of a child shakes every parent, every community member, and every one of us who serves the public,” he said. “Jada’s life mattered, and in times like these, our responsibility is to stand beside families in their darkest moments.
“We are grateful to Chief Shaquille O’Neal and Sheriff Tim Pounds for joining together to help lift this burden from the West family so they can focus on honoring Jada’s life.”
Officials said the gesture aims to allow her family to focus on remembering her life and legacy while receiving support from the community.
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