Shaquille O’Neal is a jokester but his latest act of kindness lets us know that he also has a big heart. Shaq has offered to pay all of the funeral expenses for Malachi Hemphill. Malachi is the 13 year old Georgia boy that accidentally shot and killed himself on Instagram Live last week.
Malachi’s godmother, Shantirea Bankston told local news, “We just broke down and started crying because Malachi didn’t have any insurance. We weren’t prepared to bury him this young. We didn’t have insurance for him. So to have that from Shaquille O’Neal, it was a blessing and very touching, and we appreciate everything he does for the community.”
Shaquille issued a statement saying, “No mother should have to go through this,” O’Neal said. “I can only imagine the pain that she and all of Malachi’s family must be feeling. I just wanted to do what I could to help them at such a terrible time.”
Malachi’s mother, Shaniqua Stephens, “heard a loud bang” Monday night, the evening of April 10, and went upstairs to find her son shot with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. His phone remained active on Instagram Live until his sister screamed for his mother to turn it off.
Malachi was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An investigation is underway to find out how and where the teen acquired the gun. Funeral arrangements for Malachi have not been made public.
Shaquille’s contribution can now allow the funds gathered on the family GoFundMe to be used elsewhere. Major SET Assist!
