Luka Doncic 'heartbroken' after Belgrade school shooting, will cover funeral costs
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has pledged to cover the funeral expenses for nine people killed during a mass shooting at a Belgrade elementary school.
On Wednesday, a 13-year-old student opened fire on his classmates at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, killing eight fellow students and one security guard before being apprehended.
"I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent children. My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy," Doncic tweeted on Thursday. "Belgrade, I support and stand with you all during this difficult time."
Doncic, a four-time NBA All-Star, was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia, but his family has ties to Serbia. His father, former professional basketball player and coach Saša Doncic, is of Serbian descent.
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Doncic said The Luka Doncic Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of children, is "exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School."
According to ESPN, Doncic will also provide grief counseling for students and staff.
The 24-year-old concluded his statement: "I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available. #StandWithBelgrade."
This is not the first time Doncic has offered support after a mass shooting. During a Christmas Day game against the Los Angeles Lakers last year, Doncic spent time with two Uvalde school shooting survivors and their siblings after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 students and two teachers dead in May.
Contributing: The Associated Press