Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say

VILLA RICA, Ga. — Shaquille O’Neal will pay for the funeral expenses for 12‑year‑old Jada West. West died days after a fight near a neighborhood bus stop, according to CBS News Atlanta.

Shaquille O’Neal Steps In After Jada West’s Fight Death

Officials said O’Neal reached out after learning about the case. He wanted to support the grieving family during what they described as an “unimaginably painful moment.”

O’Neal, who serves as Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, said the story “touched his heart” and that no parent should ever have to bury their child, reported by CBS News Atlanta.

Related: Shaquille O’Neal and American Express Launch $10M Grant Initiative For Small Black Businesses

The Tragic Incident

Police said West got into a fistfight with another girl on March 5 shortly after students stepped off the school bus.

West was reportedly trying to walk home when the altercation occurred.

Cellphone video posted to social media showed the girls approaching each other and throwing punches before falling to the ground. An adult intervened, and West picked up her backpack and walked away.

However, she collapsed minutes later. Emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest in the street and rushed her to a hospital, where she died three days later on March 8.

Police in Villa Rica said they continue to review video evidence and interview witnesses. Autopsy results have not yet been released.

Jada West’s Family and School Response

West’s family described her as a gentle child who loved animals and often tried to help injured pets, reported by CBS News Atlanta.

Douglas County District Attorney Dalia Racine said in a statement that her office is aware of the police investigation into Jada’s death but gave no further comment.

In a statement The Douglas County School System described Jada as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” The school made counselors available to speak with students and staff.

West’s aunts said in a social media post that the family scheduled the funeral for Saturday.

12‑year‑old Georgia girl dies after fight outside school bus, family says she was bullied

Unheard Voices Magazine

Support independent storytelling that amplifies voices too often ignored. Your donation keeps our stories alive and accessible.

Donate Today

Every contribution helps fund reporting, editing, and platforms for underrepresented communities.