By Mallory Mattingly
After a family faced unspeakable tragedy, former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal stepped up to help them out.
On Aug. 30, the home of Patrick Ellis caught fire in Chadbourne, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of his four youngest daughters, Kalani Rae, Kendall Xaiya, Josephina Renee and Sophia Nachelle, all between the ages of 2 and 7, per FOX 5.
O’Neal will work with Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett to cover all the expenses for the Ellis family.
“It touches every one of us parents, neighbors and human beings,” O’Neal told Fox 5. “These were innocent lives full of promise, taken far too soon…this was not just a gesture of support, it was a moral responsibility.”
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The former athlete wants to help the family know they “are not alone.”
“We see you, we mourn with you and we’re here to help you carry this burden in any way that we can,” O’Neal said. “What I can offer is love, support, and a promise that their lives will not be forgotten.”
Scandrett added, “It’s tragic beyond belief. Particularly being a father of two girls and two boys, this is unconscionable. The loss the Ellis family has endured is one that shakes us all to our core. Our goal is to remind them they do not walk this journey alone.”
The donation from O’Neal and Scandrett “fully covers the expenses associated with honoring the girls, lifting the financial burden from the grieving family.”
“People call it giving back. I just call it doing the right thing,” the four-time NBA champion told PEOPLE of why he wants to help others.
Ellis thanked all those who have stepped up for his family in this time of need.
“My heart is shattered beyond words at the loss of my daughters. Kalani, Kendall, Josie and Sophia were my joy, my light and my purpose. Our family has been overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and support from this community during the hardest time of our lives. We ask you to join us in celebrating their laughter, their innocence and the precious memories they leave behind,” he told WECT News.
“Your compassion has been a comfort to us as we grieve the loss of my four children,” he continued. “At this time, no official funeral arrangements have been made. When those plans are finalized, we will share them with you. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we walk through this unimaginable loss.”
It’s incredible to see people like O’Neal use his platform to help others. Pray for the Ellis family as they navigate this incredibly hard time.
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