*Sadly, we have to report the passing of Shaquille O’Neal‘s sister Ayesha Harrison-Jex. On Thursday she died after being diagnosed 3 years ago with cancer. She was 40.
The announcement was made on Thursday’s episode of TNT’s Inside the NBA. Viewers had an inkling something was up when they noticed O’Neal was missing from the telecast.
O’Neal’s co-host Ernie Johnson began Thursday’s episode by addressing his absence. Viewers know the program features O’Neal alongside Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
“We have to tell you why you’re not seeing Shaquille O’Neal here on the set tonight,” Johnson began. “Basically the ‘Big Fella,’ who I’ve described as ‘the biggest kid in the world,’ his heart is breaking tonight. He said his world revolves around his brother and two sisters. And he lost one of his sisters this morning.”
Johnson explained that Harrison-Jex had died “far too early” at the age of 40. She had been diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Harrison-Jex graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Florida A&M University, and was also a mother to her son Bryce, according to Johnson. She will be laid to rest in a military cemetery and will be buried next to O’Neal’s stepfather, Sgt. Phillip Harrison.
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Johnson added that O’Neal, 47, is currently in Orlando, Florida, to be with his family. The ex-basketball star responded to Thursday’s Inside the NBA episode on Twitter.
“Thanks for the condolences and the love. If I had older brothers, it would be you 3. Love y’all and love you more Candice.”
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