Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic announced that he will pay for the funeral services for those killed in the Belgrade school shooting and cover grief counseling for the classmates and staff who survived.
The Luka Doncic Foundation told ESPN on Thursday that it is committing whatever short-term aid is necessary to help support the families and friends who were victims of the shooting in Serbia’s capital.
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“I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent school children. My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy. Through my foundation, I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available.”
Luka Doncic on decision to cover funeral, grief counseling costs for the Belgrade shooting victims
Doncic, a Serbian native, still has close ties to his native country. The NBA star’s grandmother, aunt, uncle and teenage cousin all live in the region that is still reeling from the losses suffered in the tragic shooting.
- Luka Doncic stats (2022-’23): 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8 APG
Eight children and a security guard were killed at the Vladislav Ribnikar school following a mass shooting that led to the arrest of a 13-year-old boy, with his mother and father also arrested in connection with the shooting.
Another six children and a teacher were also wounded in the Vladislav Ribnikar primary school shooting. Doncic also announced on Thursday that he planned to work with other NBA players who have Balkan roots to provide long-term assistance for the region.