NBA Legend To Cover Funeral Costs For 12-Year-Old Killed After School Bus Incident

Douglas County, GA – NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is stepping in to support the family of a 12-year-old girl whose death following a school bus altercation has drawn national attention.

O’Neal, who serves as Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, has offered to cover the funeral expenses for Jayda West. He is partnering with Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett and Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds to help ease the financial burden on her family.

Jayda West, a student at Mason Creek Middle School, died after reportedly suffering injuries following a fight with another student after getting off a school bus. According to her mother, the altercation occurred outside of school hours and off campus. The Villa Rica Police Department is investigating the incident.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show West involved in a fight with another student. Although she was able to walk away afterward, she was later rushed to a hospital.

O’Neal said he was moved to act after learning about Jayda’s story.

“As a father, my heart goes out to Jayda’s family,” he said. “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.”

Sheriff Scandrett emphasized the importance of community support in times of tragedy, saying the loss of a child impacts everyone.

“Jayda’s life mattered, and in times like these, our responsibility is to stand beside families in their darkest moments,” he said.

Sheriff Pounds echoed that message, adding that communities across Georgia are united in supporting the West family during this difficult time.

Officials said the goal of the effort is to allow Jayda’s family to focus on honoring her life while being surrounded by compassion and support.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to keep the family in their thoughts as they grieve.