Travis and Jason Kelce have honored the victims of the massacre that occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl triumph parade.
In response to the “deeply tragic” mass shooting that took place at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, last Wednesday (Feb. 14), while the Chiefs were celebrating their Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the tight end for the Chiefs and his brother Jason, an NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles, released a joint statement.
The two posted a video on their pod’s Instagram page, wherein they reflected on the incident that resulted in one person’s death and 22 injuries, ahead of the release of a new episode of their podcast, New Heights, on February 21.
Travis stated: “We have a pre-recorded episode for you guys coming up on Wednesday but after the tragic events at the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, it didn’t feel right without you hearing from us first.”
Jason continued, “We just wanted to express how sad we are for all of the victims, their families, Chiefs Kingdom, and really, the entire city of Kansas City, who came out to try to celebrate the community on that day.
“It is regrettable and quite awful that those things happened.
“We also want to thank the local law enforcement that sprang into action and first responders on scene and anybody that has been willing to help those affected by this tragedy.”
If anyone would like to donate to the victims and their families, the brothers also provided a link to the Chiefs’ immediate response fund.
Travis added: “Your donation goes toward supporting victims and their families, violence prevention and mental health services.”
It happened after Travis gave $100,000 (S$134,590) to two kids who were shot during the victory parade, matching the $100,000 that pop artist Taylor Swift, his girlfriend, gave to a different GoFundMe page created following the tragedy.
The tight end for the Chiefs gave the Reyes family two separate donations of US$50,000 to assist their two injured daughters, ages eight and ten, from the occasion.
Through his Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation, Travis made the donations on a GoFundMe page created to aid the children who were injured in the tragedy, with the Hollywood Reporter verifying their legitimacy.
“The girls were celebrating with many members of their family when they were senselessly injured,” the GoFundMe page’s description stated.
“As the girls strive for recovery, we ask that you keep the family in your prayers.
“Any remaining funds will be saved for their college fund, and this fund will help provide essential financial support for their physical and mental recovery.” Every penny is going into a bank account that has been set up specifically for the girls. We are grateful for whatever amount.”
Eight minutes apart, Taylor donated US$50,000 to a fundraising for Lisa Lopez-Galvan’s family, who lost her life during the march.
She concluded: “Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss.”