Kasandra Perkins was the girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher who was slain Saturday before Belcher took his own life at the team facilities.
The family spoke this week, issuing the following statement.
"We appreciate all of the heartfelt concern and sincere thoughtfulness we have received during this surreal time. We would especially like to thank the NFL Players Association for their generosity and kindness. Kasandra will be laid to rest at the end of the week in a private ceremony with family and friends in Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to benefit her daughter, Zoey.
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"Bank of America
"Account #586031390355
"Kasandra turned 22 on October 14 this year. Her life was just beginning when it was taken so unexpectedly last week. There has been a disheartening amount of rumors and speculation surrounding the tragic loss of our Kasi. No one will ever truly know why this happened nor is there anything to be said that could justify or ease our pain. We miss her deeply and would like to shed light on the person she really was.
"Kasandra will be remembered as our fun-loving, outgoing 'Kasi'. Always full of laughter, kindness, optimism and inspiration. She was energetic, happy and loved life. She could find the good in any person or situation. Kasandra was loyal, honest and trusting. Overall, she was dedicated to starting her new family and beyond excited about being a mother to her sweet baby. We will raise Baby Zoey in the knowledge of the love from which she was born. Please keep us in prayer as God will be our strength.
"Jamaal & Whitney Charles and The Perkins Family"
Her funeral was held Thursday in Blue Ridge, Texas. Another service is scheduled for Saturday in Austin. She will be buried in Pflugerville, Texas, afterward.
Zoey will be provided for though the collective bargaining agreement until she is 18 years old, or 23 if she goes to college. She's currently under the custody of Belcher's mother, but long-term custody likely will be determined by an emotional, drawn-out court process.
UPDATE: The Chiefs announced Friday that they have established a trust fund for Zoey.
Contributions may be sent to:
Zoey Belcher Trust
UMB Bank -- Attn: Trust Division
P.O. Box 419226
Kansas City, MO 64179
Any checks should be made payable to:
UMB Bank, N.A., Trustee of the Zoey Michelle Belcher Irrevocable Trust
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
