Kodak Black Offers To Pay For Funeral Of STEM School Shooting Hero

BY Erika Marie 40.5K Views
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Kodak Black
The rapper also wants to set aside money for a scholarship in Kendrick Castillo's name.

Last week, two suspected shooters killed eight people in an attack on Denver, Colorado's STEM School Highlands Ranch. One of the students who lost his life was 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo, a young man who had hopes of one day becoming an engineer. Unfortunately, his life was cut short after Castillo reportedly lunged at one of the shooters in an effort to save his classmates—many that he considered to be like family.

As Castillo's story has made headlines, the teenage robotics enthusiast has been hailed a hero. Kodak Black has also heard of Castillo's valiant effort and according to The Blasthe wants to pay for the family's funeral expenses to alleviate any financial burdens. Kodak's attorney sent a message to the family that reads:

"First let me tell you words cannot describe my sorrow for your situation. You raised an amazing young man that did an amazing thing. I know that those words cannot provide as much comfort as you and your wife deserve. I have a client that wished me to reach out and extend an offer for him to pay for any and all funeral expenses, as well as establish a scholarship in his name. Your son truly represents the inherent good in people. Again, I am sorry for your loss.”

Kodak reportedly also wants to set aside $10,000 for an annual scholarship in Castillo's name. The money will be given to "a student going to college wanting to study in the science and engineering areas." The rapper recently dished out $12,500 to help 14-year-old Paige Cook purchase notebooks for her campaign as she wanted to make sure everyone in her school's low-income district had supplies for their classes.

The rapper has often helped those in need. Last year, he donated $10K toward early childhood education. Months later, he visited Paradise Childcare in Broward County, Florida and delivered presents while dressed up as Santa Claus. He even donated $5K for the business' Christmas party.

Castillo's family has yet to respond to Kodak's offer, but The Blast says he understands that they're taking time to grieve the loss of their loved one.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.