NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is helping to cover the cost of memorial services for the family of four young sisters who died in a house fire in North Carolina.
At the start of the month, Kalani, 7, Kendall, 5, Josie, 3 and Sophia Melvin, 2, died after the blaze ripped through their home in Chadbourn during the early hours.
Two girls, both aged 12, managed to escape the inferno. They called 911 and firefighters arrived on the scene but the house was already engulfed in flames.
After hearing about the news, NBA legend O’Neal claims he felt a ‘moral responsibility’ to help out and has now extended his offer of support.
O’Neal will work with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office to cover the costs of the memorial service, which will take place on Saturday.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said: ‘The collaborative donation fully covers the expenses associated with honoring the girls, lifting the financial burden from the grieving family.
Shaquille O’Neal is covering the costs of a memorial service for the family hit by a house fire
Kendall, Kalani, Josie and Sophia Melvin died after the blaze ripped through their home in Chadbourn during the early hours
‘Shaquille O’Neal and the sheriffs joined in solidarity with Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers, whose community has been deeply impacted by the tragedy.’
Meanwhile, when asked about the tragedy by Fox 5, O’Neal said: ‘It touches every one of us parents, neighbors and human beings.
‘These were innocent lives full of promise, taken far too soon…this was not just a gesture of support, it was a moral responsibility.
‘We see you, we mourn with you and we’re here to help you carry this burden in any way that we can.
‘What I can offer is love, support, and a promise that their lives will not be forgotten.’
Images captured since of the home show the charred remains of the property. The walls of the home have crumbled under the intense heat.
It remains unclear how the fire started. The State Bureau of Investigation is probing the blaze.
Images show the charred remains of the property, the walls of which crumbled under the intense heat
It remains unclear how the fire started. The State Bureau of Investigation is probing the blaze
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe was set up, which added: ‘These beautiful souls brought immense joy and love to their family and everyone who was blessed to know them.’
An obituary said: ‘Each carried a special sparkle: Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophia’s favorite was watching Bluey.
‘They loved their church, their friends, and their family deeply, and though their time here was far too short, their love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them.’
