Former NBA star Shaq, real name Shaquille O’Neal, has pledged to cover funeral expenses for 12-year-old Jayda West, whose death has shaken communities west of Atlanta.
O’Neal announced Tuesday that he would pay for the final arrangements after learning about West’s case through media coverage. The gesture came days after the girl died following a confrontation near a school bus stop in Georgia.
“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jayda’s family.”
The Hall of Fame center said he hopes the contribution eases the family’s burden during an unimaginable loss.
“No parent should ever have to bury their child,” O’Neal said. “If there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”
O’Neal is coordinating the effort with Reginald B. Scandrett and Tim Pounds. Local officials said the goal is to support West’s relatives as they navigate grief and unanswered questions surrounding the incident.
“When a child’s life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us,” Pounds said. “Our goal is simple. We want Jayda’s family to know that they are not alone.”
West’s death followed an altercation March 5 near a bus stop in the Ashley Place neighborhood. According to relatives, the confrontation occurred shortly after students exited a school bus.
Family members said West stood up after the fight but later collapsed. She was hospitalized and placed in a coma. She died several days later.
West had recently enrolled at Mason Creek Middle School, her mother previously told reporters. The family alleges she experienced bullying during her early weeks at the school.
During a press conference Monday, relatives and attorneys called for a full investigation. They also questioned why the other student involved in the altercation was riding that bus route.
The Villa Rica Police Department said the case remains under investigation as officers review evidence and witness statements.
Meanwhile, O’Neal’s offer to cover funeral costs has drawn praise from community members who say the gesture brings compassion during a devastating moment.
