Texas School Shooting: J.J. Watt Offers To Pay Funeral Expenses

HOUSTON, TX — In the hours after 17-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis walked into Santa Fe High School and sprayed gunfire at teachers and classmates, one of Houston’s most beloved sports figures once again demonstrated his love for the community.

Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt, who raised millions to help during Hurricane Harvey, has offered to pay for the funerals of the 10 who lost their lives the latest American school shooting.

Watt made the announcement through sources with the Houston Texans, KTRK reported.

Watt's gesture was only the latest from one of the NFL's most recognizable figures.

While the City of Houston and much of the Gulf Coast was reeling from Hurricane Harvey, Watt stepped up to raise $200,000 toward relief efforts.

Two weeks later, the initial drive had morphed into a $37.5 million fund that is still being used to help Harvey flood victims in the Houston area.

His philanthropic efforts led to the NFL star being named the Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Also, the James Crowder Funeral Home, which will likely prepare the victims for burial in the coming days, announced that Mount Olivet Cemetery is offering free burial plots to the families of the tragedy.

Pagourtzis is being held in the Galveston County Jail without bond.

He is charged with capital murder and aggravated assault on a peace officer.

Image: DECEMBER 05: Sportsperson of the Year J.J. Watt attends SPORTS ILLUSTRATED 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Show on December 5, 2017 at Barclays Center in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)

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