Following the tragic events at a Belgrade elementary school in Serbia, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has pledged to pay for funeral services and bereavement counseling for classmates and staff, a spokesperson confirmed to ESPN. .
Several members of Doncic’s family live in the Serbian capital region. His father, Sasha, was born in Serbia.
According to authorities, eight children and a security guard were killed after a 13-year-old boy shot at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school on Wednesday.
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Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks takes court in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center on December 12, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Doncic also previously pledged to help with relief efforts shortly after the mass shooting and vowed to be a part of any long-term assistance.
«Through my foundation, I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support students, teachers and families affected by the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School shooting. I am committed and will continue to share updates and forms of support as details become available. available,» Doncic said in a statement.
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks superstar is a native of Slovenia and said he was deeply saddened to learn what happened in elementary school.
Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic celebrates after being fouled for dunking a basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Dallas on March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
«I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of life, including innocent school-age children,» Doncic said. «My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy.»
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In 66 games this season, Doncic is averaging a career-high 32.4 points. In late December, Doncic had the first triple-double of 60 points and 20 rebounds in nba history while leading the Mavs to an improbable overtime comeback win over the New York Knicks.