Superman to the rescue!
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is covering the funeral expenses for four young girls who died in a North Carolina house fire — with the mother now facing charges for the tragic deaths.
Grieving father Patrick Ellis had his world turned upside on Aug. 30 when his four daughters Kalani, Kendall, Josephina, and Sophia — ages 2, 4, 6, and 7 — died when their Chadbourn, NC, home went up in flames.
Ellis and his 11-year-old daughter survived the fire as did mother Reagan Powers who is now facing charges.
Powers left the children in the care of an 11-year-old and left the home when the fatal fire broke out. She has since been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse, WCET reported.
In the depths of the tragic happening, Ellis received a rather large helping hand from one of basketball’s greatest players who promised to pay for the funeral services of the four poor girls.
“It touches every one of us parents, neighbors, and human beings,” The Big Aristotle told Fox.
“It was not just a gesture of support, it was a moral responsibility,” Big Diesel said. “These were innocent lives, full of promise, taken far too soon.
To the grieving family, Shaq-fu said., “You are not alone in your pain. We see you. We mourn with you and we’re here to help you carry this burden in any way we can.”
O’Neal is orchestrating the charity through the Henry County Sheriff’s Office where he has held a director of community relations position since 2021, People reported.
Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett is coordinating the donation, despite the family living in Columbus County, NC.
“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,” Scandrett told Fox.
Powers is being held under a $400,000 bond and bonded out. Her next court appearance is on Thursday, according to WCET.
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