Russell Westbrook, NBA player for the Denver Nuggets, announced his role as co-founder of a new AI-driven funeral planning platform.
In the world of basketball, Russell Westbrook has been a force to reckon with, thriving under pressure. But off the court, he's making a splash in another arena – tech entrepreneurship. Westbrook is a co-founder of Eazewell, an innovative AI-driven funeral planning platform tailored to ease grief's burden, as reported by Afrotech. The foundation for this venture traces back to a devastating personal loss – the untimely death of Westbrook's best friend, Khelcey Barrs III, at 16 years old. This heart-wrenching experience has remained etched in Westbrook's mind, prompting him to channel his energy into making a difference - not just in basketball, but in life.
"I'm incredibly proud to be part of something that will truly make a difference in people's lives," Westbrook declared. Joined by fellow co-founders Kemba Walker and Donnell Beverly Jr., who have similarly experienced loss, they've engineered a platform that takes on the intricate logistics of death – from document handling to organizing memorials – all automated by AI agents that operate 24/7.
The intersection of technology, grief, and legacy in Eazewell
In contrast to typical startups, Eazewell stands out. Based in LA, the team comprises 11 members, and even in its beta phase, it has assisted over 1,000 families. This unique blend of technology and empathy offers personalized funeral home suggestions, streamlines documentation, and even offers financial relief, such as payment plans and small loans.
For Beverly, wearing Barrs' initials on his jersey long before Westbrook did the same in the NBA, this venture is about translating shared grief into action. "When I lost my parents, I didn't want to spend countless hours making phone calls or chasing down signatures," he shared. "Eazewell is our way of reaching anyone dealing with loss - so they don't need to face that darkness alone."
Westbrook, still immersed in the Nuggets' playoff run, views this foray as another opportunity to guide people through challenging times. "You don't control the moment," he said, "but you can choose how you respond."
"Eazewell, the AI-driven funeral planning platform co-founded by Russell Westbrook, Kemba Walker, and Donnell Beverly Jr., stands out in the tech startup scene. Despite being based in LA and still in its beta phase, it has already assisted over 1,000 families. The platform, born out of personal loss, offers personalized funeral home suggestions, simplifies documentation, and provides financial assistance like payment plans and small loans. For Beverly, who previously wore Barrs' initials on his jersey, this venture is a means to turn shared grief into action, aiming to support anyone dealing with loss and help them navigate through the complexities of death without feeling alone."
"Westbrook, amidst the Nuggets' playoff run, sees this venture as another chance to guide people through difficult times. He notes, 'You don't control the moment, but you can choose how you respond.' Westbrook and his fellow co-founders are committed to this mission, viewing Eazewell as more than just a tech company - it's a memorial platform that uses artificial-intelligence and technology to lighten the burden of grief, making a difference in people's lives beyond the sports court."
