LeBron James expressed his shock and horror on social media following the harrowing scenes unfolding in Liverpool at the team's title parade.
The NBA superstar reacted after a vehicle drove into a group of Liverpool FC fans during celebrations for the club's Premier League triumph. A 53-year old man was arrested after the incident, which left 47 people injured, including four children; 27 were hospitalized.
Keir Starmer, the UK's Prime Minister, described the episode as "appalling" after more information about the tragic event emerged. And Los Angeles Lakers' icon James added his voice to those commenting on the incident. The basketball icon went online to post his sentiments and offer sympathies to those touched by the day's events.
"OMG! ! ! ! WTH [what the hell]. My deepest thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone affected that attended @LFC Premiere League trophy parade today! #YNWA," posted the stunned hoops legend from his personal social media platform.
James’s involvement with Liverpool FC extends beyond fan support; he is also a minority owner, having secured a two percent share as part of a promotional arrangement with FSG back in 2011.
James exchanged his two percent holding in Liverpool FC for a one percent stake in the larger FSG consortium, which includes illustrious names such as the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins. Furthermore, James has beefed up his investment in FSG by an undisclosed sum, and the club has even launched co-branded merch with the hoop star.
As authorities work to fully understand the incident, they've confirmed that 20 individuals sustained minor injuries treated on-site; another 27 were hospitalized, with two – one being a child – considered to have suffered serious harm. A paramedic was also hit by the vehicle but escaped serious injury.
Amidst the chaos that ensued, the fans present did what they could to mitigate the impact of the vehicle. Harry Rashid, who was at the parade, recounted how the car missed him by just feet and described the chilling experience to the Liverpool Echo.
olice officers were on the scene to ensure the driver was subdued and detained
Police officers were on the scene to ensure the driver was subdued and detained (Image: Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
"It happened about 10 feet away from us," he shared with the publication. "We were just in a crowd and we had no control over where we would be, because it was a very narrow street. The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to an ambulance, which was parked up.
"This people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us."
He described the tense moment, saying: "Then he stalled for a few seconds, probably about 10 seconds. Then the crowd that was a bit further back started rushing at him trying to smash the windows."
In response to the distressing incident, Liverpool FC promptly released a statement, expressing their concern: "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city," the club announced via social media.
The Anfield outfit continued dialogue with law enforcement officers, releasing a further notice: "We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident."