Shaquille O'Neal Pays For Shaniya Davis's Funeral

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Nov 27th 2009 at 7:01PM

The other day we were discussing the many careers of Shaquille O'Neal (his most recent adventure has him curating an art show) but basketball star Shaquille O'Neal is also known for his big heart. He was reportedly so touched by the terrible story of five-year-old Shaniya Davis, a child who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in North Carolina, that he paid for the little girl's funeral. It was announced through a spokesperson for the Cleveland Cavaliers that O'Neal had gotten in touch with the family to see what he could do to help. The story of Shaniya Davis was also shown on the Oprah show recently.

The Fayetteville Observer reports that more than 2,000 people attended the funeral at Manna Church on Sunday. She was buried at Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery. The funeral home did not reveal the cost of the service but Corey Breece, of Rogers and Breece Funeral Home, did say that a child's funeral "averages around $4,500."

The child's mother, Antoinette Davis has been charged with human trafficking and other charges and Mario McNeill has been charged with first degree kidnapping, murder and rape in the case.

O'Neal is known for his charity work and recently took part in a toy drive for children.

[via CNN]

Tags: shaniya davis, shaniyadavis, shaquille oneal, ShaquilleOneal