Shaquille O’Neal and other sheriffs partner to support Ellis family after Chadbourn house fire
CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY) — Shaquille O’Neal has partnered with sheriffs from Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina to ensure the memorialization of the four young Ellis sisters who died in a house fire last month in Chadbourn.
In a press release from Henry County Sheriff’s Office, they say that the collaborative donation fully covers the expenses associated with honoring the girls, lifting the financial burden from the grieving family.
Shaquille O’Neal and the sheriffs joined in solidarity with Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers, whose community has been deeply impacted by the tragedy.
Participating donors include:
- Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett – Henry County, Georgia
- Sheriff Patrick Labat – Fulton County, Georgia
- Sheriff Levon Allen – Clayton County, Georgia
- Sheriff Craig Owens – Cobb County, Georgia
- Sheriff Melody Maddox – DeKalb County, Georgia
- Sheriff Keybo Taylor – Gwinnett County, Georgia
- Sheriff Gregory Tony – Broward County, Florida
- Captain Deon Wallace – Henry County Sheriff’s Office
- Captain Jamie Smith – Broward County Sheriff’s Office
Representatives from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office will attend the memorial service this Saturday in Columbus County to stand alongside the family, friends, and community in honoring the lives of the four sisters.
Shaquille O’Neal said in the press release, “As a father, my heart is broken for the Ellis family… What I can offer is love, support, and a promise that their lives will not be forgotten.”
O’Neal also wrote some words of support to the Ellis family.
“As a father, my heart is broken for the Ellis family. There are no words that can take away the pain of losing a child, let alone four daughters in one moment. What I can offer is love, support, and a promise that their lives will not be forgotten. These little girls deserved the chance to grow up, to chase their dreams, and to continue bringing joy to those around them. While we cannot give them back, we can make sure their memorial reflects the love they gave so freely. It is my prayer that this act of compassion provides even a measure of comfort to the family during this time of unimaginable grief.”
