Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has offered to cover the funeral costs of the 10 people (eight students and two teachers) that were killed in a shooting at Santa Fe High School on Friday.
A 17-year-old carrying a shotgun and revolver opened fire at the high school which is located about 35 miles from Houston city centre.
Dimitrios Pagourtzis has been charged with murder following the tragedy and he waived his right to remain silent to admit “to shooting multiple people”, according to an affidavit filed in court.
Watt has been an active presence in the Houston community since he was drafted by the Texans in 2011 and he raised over $37 million for those affected by the flooding from Hurricane Harvey last August.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year wrote that the shooting was ‘absolutely horrific’ on his Twitter account and news spread quickly that he was willing to cove the funeral costs.
Absolutely horrific.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/TwitterMoments/status/997696875426758657
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
I'm not surprised JJ Watt's paying 4 the funerals 4 the victims of the shootings at Santa Fe High School. Ever since he got to Houston in 2011, Watt has been doing so many things in the community to help others,, including raising more than $37 million 4 Hurricane Harvey relief.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 19, 2018
Jj watt just announced he’ll pay for all of the funerals of victims in Santa Fe. Wow. God’s warrior.
— Nick Russo (@Kingnickrusso) May 19, 2018
Wow… regardless of whether @JJWatt plays another down of football in his life, the impact he has had beyond the gridiron has been unbelievable. #HurricaneHarvey #SanteFeShootinghttps://t.co/5I3vKVJupJ
— Daron K. Roberts (@CoachDKR) May 19, 2018
The Texans also released a statement on the shooting.
“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.”
