Breaking News: Shaquille O’Neal to cover funeral costs for 12-year-old girl who died after fight at bus stop…see more

The fight between Jada and another student from Mason Creek Middle School broke out at an intersection near the girl’s home on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5, police said.

Her death is being investigated by police in suburban Villa Rica, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says O’Neal learned about Jada’s story through media reports.

“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” said O’Neal, who’s serving as chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family.

No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”

The retired NBA star’s statement added: “Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment.”