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Miami Heat’s Cook to help cover funeral costs of boy hit by car
DAYTON - A Dayton native and NBA star has reached out to the family of DaQuan Sales and offered to help pay for some of the boy’s funeral costs.
Daequan Cook, a guard for the Miami Heat and Dunbar High School grad, contacted DaQuan’s family after reading in the Dayton Daily News that the boy idolized Cook and planned to attend his summer basketball camp next week.
DaQuan was killed on Saturday during an apparent hit-and-run accident in the 300 block of Elmhurst Road. Police said the driver, Antwonne McGinnis, did not have a valid license.
McGinnis was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Tuesday for probation violations and is in the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.
A prayer vigil for DaQuan is scheduled for tonight, June 18, in the 300 block of Elmhurst Road at 8.
Heat spokesman Michael Lissack said Cook was not available for comment Thursday, but said Cook is hesitant to talk about the gesture in order to keep the focus on DaQuan.
Cook’s Basketball Skills Camp for boys and girls will be held on Monday and Tuesday at Dunbar High School and Louise Troy Elementary School.
Cook is also planning to donate a yearly scholarship in DaQuan’s name for someone to attend his camp, Lissack said. Cook has also invited any of DaQuan’s family members to attend his camp for free.
DaQuan’s mother, Janelle Sales, said her son was a huge fan of Cook’s and idolized the NBA star. Cook and DaQuan’s family have been communicating throughout the week, Lissack said.
Cook, a former Ohio State University standout, is entering his third year in the NBA and has emerged as one of the Heat’s valuable offensive contributors.
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