Roommates, it’s always a sad day when a life is lost, but Ezekiel Elliott has stepped in to lighten the load for one St. Louis family. He is reportedly covering the funeral expenses for an 8th grade football player who was fatally shot.
According to TMZ, 14-year-old Jaylon McKenzie was at a house party after a school dance on Saturday night when a fight broke out involving other people.
As Jaylon left the party, he was struck by a stray bullet. He passed away shortly after at a nearby hospital, according to the Illinois State Police.
Jaylon had plans of living his dream as an NFL player. He was already a rising star on the field, playing running back, wide receiver and defensive back for his school’s football team. He reportedly had scholarship offers from the University of Missouri and University of Illinois.
He was also highlighted by Sports Illustrated as a ‘Teen Athlete to Watch’ when he was just 13.
Ezekiel, who grew up in St. Louis, heard about Jaylon’s passing and felt compelled to help his family by paying for the funeral costs.
He reached out to Jaylon’s mother, who was not only grateful, but shocked and relieved to hear from Ezekiel.
“For him to reach out to me was unbelievable,” Sukeena Gunner said. “Jaylon loved Ezekiel Elliott. He talked about him all the time and for him to reach out to me and help in this difficult time leaves me speechless.”
Let’s keep Jaylon’s family in our prayers roommates as they go through this difficult time.
