NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal will cover the cost of a memorial service for four young sisters who died after a house fire in Chadbourn, North Carolina, earlier this month, officials said.
Kalani, 7; Kendall, 5; Josie, 3; and Sophia Melvin, 2, died when the blaze tore through their home in the early hours. Two other children, both 12, escaped and called 911, but firefighters arrived to find the house already engulfed in flames.
In a statement released by local authorities, the sheriff's office said it would work with O'Neal to ensure the costs associated with honoring the girls are fully covered, lifting the financial burden from the grieving family. The statement said the "collaborative donation fully covers the expenses associated with honoring the girls," and that local sheriffs joined in solidarity with Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers, whose community has been deeply affected by the tragedy.
O'Neal told Fox 5 that he felt compelled to help. "It touches every one of us parents, neighbors and human beings," he said. "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."
The State Bureau of Investigation is probing the blaze, and authorities have not released a cause. Images from the scene show the home's walls crumbled under intense heat.
A GoFundMe established after the fire described the sisters as "beautiful souls" who "brought immense joy and love to their family and everyone who was blessed to know them." An obituary published for the girls said each carried a "special sparkle," noting Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophia enjoyed watching the children's program Bluey. The obituary said the children loved their church, friends and family, and that their "love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them."
Authorities said the memorial service arranged with O'Neal's support will take place on Saturday. Local officials did not provide further details about the family's plans or whether additional financial assistance has been coordinated beyond the memorial coverage.
Chadbourn is in Columbus County, and the involvement of multiple local offices reflects the community response to the deaths. The investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation will determine the circumstances and cause of the fire, and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
O'Neal has a history of public philanthropy in recent years, and he has frequently made donations or public gestures in response to tragedies. Officials said his contribution in this case is intended to ensure the family can hold a service without the added stress of immediate expenses as they grieve.
No arrests have been announced, and the timeline for the SBI review was not disclosed. Local leaders continued to offer support to the family and the community while investigators work to establish what led to the fatal blaze.