Shaquille O'Neal Postpones Papa John's Partnership Event with Miles College after His Sister's Death

Shaquille O'Neal postponed an event promoting Papa John's at Miles College in Alabama due to his sister Ayesha's passing.

On October 24, 2019, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal and his family suffered a shattering blow.

His sister Ayesha Harrison-Jex passed away at the age of 40 three years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

In the aftermath of his aunt's death, Shareef O'Neal posted a broken-hearted tribute to Ayesha

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL POSTPONES ALL BUSINESS ENGAGEMENTS AND APPEARANCES

The basketball star turned businessman has postponed several appearances and work obligations. Shaq is concentrating on giving his support to his family and dealing with his own grief.

One of the postponed events was due to take place two days after Ayesha's death at Miles College in Alabama.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL'S HBCU INITIATIVE

Shaq was to be at Miles to launch his project in conjunction with HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) aimed at opening a Papa Johns pizza on every campus.

MILES COLLEGE ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT

In response to the tragic loss suffered by the basketball legend and his family, Miles College President Bobbie Knight issued a statement. He wrote:

"Due to the untimely passing of Shaquille O'Neal's beloved sister, Ayesha Harrison-Jex. Miles College has been informed that Shaquille will not be participating in the Miles College Partners with Shaquille O’Neal & Papa John’s event this Saturday. At this time, the event will be postponed and scheduled for a later date this year."

MILES COLLEGE MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO SHAQUILLE O'NEAL

Miles College sent a message of condolences to Shaq and his family, on behalf of the university and President Bobbie Knight. They wrote:

"We offer our sincere condolences to Shaquille O’ Neal and his family and we ask that you keep them in your prayers."

Shaquille O'Neal himself has issued no statement, nor has he posted any allusions to his sister's passing on social media, keeping his grief private.

SHAREEF O'NEAL MOURNS HIS AUNT AYESHA HARRISON-JEX

Shaquille O'Neal's sister Ayesha Harrison-Jex passed away, a victim of breast cancer.

In the aftermath of his aunt's death, Shareef O'Neal posted a broken-hearted tribute to Ayesha on Twitter. He wrote:

"Man , i can’t even think straight ... y’all know how big of a family man I am and honestly I’m very hurt..I wish I got to say bye . I know you’ll be watching over us. I love you auntie , I’m going to make you proud .. RIP"

Ayesha who was just 40-years-old had been fighting the disease for 3 years.

She will be laid to rest alongside her father, Shaq's stepfather, Sgt. Phillip Harrison in a military cemetery.