In a move that is both extremely generous and a sad sign of the times, American NFL star J.J. Watt, who hails from the state of Texas, has announced that he will be paying the funeral costs for the victims of yesterday’s deadly school shooting.
Ten people were killed yesterday, nine of them believed to be students, when a 17-year-old gunman, identified in reports as Dimitrios Pagourtzis, entered Santa Fe High School, outside of Houston, and opened fire in a first period art class.
Watt, who plays for the Houston Texans, Tweeted yesterday that the attack was “absolutely horrific”, and earlier today, the team’s communications manager confirmed to media that he intends to cover funeral costs for all of those killed.
Absolutely horrific.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 18, 2018
The team released a statement of their own after the attack, saying:
“On behalf of the Texans organization, we are saddened by the tragic events at Sante Fe High School this morning and extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected. We are grateful for the brave first responders, law enforcement officials and medical personnel. The Texans family will continue to pray for our neighbors.”
While it’s insane that someone should even need to pay for the funerals of high school students after a mass-shooting, this is undoubtedly a kind and selfless move on Watt’s behalf, and numerous people, including Ellen DeGeneress, have commended him for his effort:
Thank you, @JJWatt for going above and beyond for the families of Santa Fe, Texas. I love you. https://t.co/y7qlg8Dsst
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) May 19, 2018
The Texas native has previously stepped up for charitable causes in his home state, raising $37 million last year for victims of Hurricane Harvey.
