VILLA RICA, Ga. (KABC) — Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal says he will cover funeral expenses for 12-year-old Jada West, a Georgia girl who died after a fight at a school bus stop.
The fight between Jada and another student from Mason Creek Middle School broke out at an intersection near the girl’s home on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5, police said. Her death is being investigated by police in suburban Villa Rica, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says O’Neal learned about Jada’s story through media reports.
“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.”
The retired NBA star’s statement added: “Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment.”
Attorneys for Jada’s family claim there were “reports of bullying” prior to the fight.
Video of the fight has gone viral on social media, sparking a national outcry for answers.
The sixth grader’s family is searching for accountability and wants to know if the bus driver could have stopped this.
Jada was taken to a hospital and died days after she collapsed in the street following the fistfight, which happened in her neighborhood, according to police.
The Douglas County School System, in a statement, described Jada as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” It said counselors were made available at the school to speak with students and staff.
“This 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,” the school district’s statement said.
O’Neal is partnering with the sheriffs of Henry County and Douglas County to help the family. Officials say they hope the effort will let the family focus on remembering and honoring Jada, while being supported by the community.
“When a child’s life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us,” Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds said. “Our goal is simple. We want Jada’s family to know that they are not alone and that communities across Georgia stand with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Villa Rica Police Department has confirmed to ABC News that the case is an ongoing investigation and there is no timeline for bringing charges at this time. Charges will be determined once the investigation is complete.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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