By Roz Edward
Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has announced he will cover the funeral expenses of 12-year-old Jada West, who died March 8 following a fight at a school bus stop in Georgia earlier in the month.
West’s death sent shockwaves across the country, and O’Neal—who serves as chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office—said he wants to support her family during this difficult time.
“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said, via ABC7 Los Angeles. “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,” O’Neal added.
West’s family is represented by nationally renowned civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Ben Crump as well as attorney Gerald Griggs.
Video of the fight which ultimately killed West has gone viral on social media has sparked local and national outcry and raised serious questions particularly since the 12-year-old had suffered repeated bullying since recently transferring to Mason Creek Middle School.
Click HERE to view the viral fight video.
Twelve-year-old Jada West, a student at Mason Creek Middle School in Douglas County, Georgia, died days after a fight that happened shortly after she got off the school bus.
West collapsed near her home in Villa Rica on March 5 following an altercation with another student that reportedly began as an argument on the bus and continued after the students exited.
Video obtained shows West and another girl fighting in the street while other children stood nearby. The reason for the altercation has not been confirmed.
Click HERE to view the viral fight video.
After the fight ended, West reportedly walked away and headed toward home before collapsing. A friend ran to notify her parents.
West was first taken to Tanner Medical Center before being transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where she fell into a coma and later died on March 8, the outlets reported.
Authorities have not yet determined the official cause of death. An autopsy is underway.
West had recently enrolled at Mason Creek Middle School in January, and her family told FOX 5 Atlanta that she had experienced bullying since starting at the school.
“I don’t understand. And she was on the ground, she wasn’t breathing,” West’s mother, Rashuna McLendon, said. “I’m so angry. We have to teach our children to love.”
The family has also raised questions about how the other girl involved in the altercation ended up on the same school bus, telling FOX 5 Atlanta they believe she does not live in their neighborhood.
The Villa Rica Police Department is investigating the incident, and officials say the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing video of the fight to determine whether charges could be filed.
In a statement shared with media outlets, the Douglas County School System said it was “deeply saddened” by the student’s death.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the district said in part, noting that the incident did not occur on school property or during school hours.
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