O’Neal is working alongside two different sheriffs to help the family as they face financial strain while mourning their loss.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is stepping up in a major way to help a grieving metro Atlanta family after the death of a 12-year-old girl whose case has now drawn national attention.
Officials said O’Neal, who serves as Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, has offered to cover funeral expenses for Jada West, who died following a violent school bus stop altercation.
O’Neal is working alongside Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett and Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds to help the family as they face financial strain while mourning their loss.
“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it,” O’Neal said. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child.”
A woman who identified herself as the girl’s aunt posted videos on Facebook showing the incident and the girl in the hospital — one video appears to show a short fight and everyone walking away, but the aunt said her 12-year-old niece’s heart then stopped on the way home.
The Douglas County School System said the incident “did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity” and, as such, Villa Rica Police has jurisdiction of the matter.
Villa Rica Police told 11Alive it was investigating a fight between two middle school students that happened on Reflective Waters Road and that they’re working with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office on the matter.
Scandrett said the tragedy has deeply impacted the community and emphasized the importance of supporting the family during a difficult time.
“The loss of a child affects us all,” he said. “Our responsibility is to stand beside families in their darkest moments.”
Pounds echoed that message, saying the goal is to show the family they are not alone and that communities across Georgia are standing with them.
Officials said they hope the gesture will allow Jada’s family to focus on honoring her life and legacy, while receiving support from those around them.
Attorneys representing the family are calling for accountability from the school and state following the tragedy.
