After remembering Kobe Bryant in an emotional tribute, Shaquille O’Neal has pledged to use his upcoming Super Bowl event to give back to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation.
In light of the sudden death of the Los Angeles Lakers legend, who died in a tragic helicopter crash at the age of 41 early Sunday morning (January 26) along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other passengers, O’Neal announced he will be donating all proceeds from Friday’s Fun House event to the Bryant family foundation as well as to the families who lost loved ones in the fatal crash.
“Been going back and forth the past couple of days on if I should even have my event in Miami this weekend. Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect what my brother and his family mean to me and my family,” Shaq shared in a note on Instagram.
“Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life. So lets do just that. I’ll be dedicating and donating all my proceeds from Friday nights Fun House to all the families who lost loved ones and to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation,” he continued. “Together we will celebrate all those who lost their lives in Sundays tragedy. Rip to my brother, my friend and my homie. The Black Mama. Until we meet again.”
In the days that transpired after the devastating tragedy, Kobe's wife Vanessa has since broken her silence in a statement on social media. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved."
"We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives," she continued. "I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them."
Photo: Getty Images