A DeKalb County family is embroiled in financial distress as they struggle to afford the burial of their 17-year-old son, LaMarcus Parks Jr., who tragically died in a car crash earlier this month. According to a report by WSB-TV, LaMarcus was involved in the accident on Bouldercrest Road and Smithville Avenue on Feb. 3, that claimed his life but spared the other three Cedar Grove High School students in the car.
"It's been extremely tough," his godmother, LaTosha Roberson stated to WSB-TV. She described LaMarcus, known for his athletic prowess on the school's football and wrestling teams, as a “very kind and loving person.” The family's plight is further complicated by issues with their life insurance policy, leaving them to cover funeral expenses out of pocket.
In a similar account by WSB Radio, Roberson expressed the unexpected nature of the tragedy, saying, “Nobody expected anything like this to happen. It’s just unbelievable.” The loss of someone “so young and so strong” has left the family and community in disbelief. Amid their grieving, they face the grim reality of financing a funeral and burial, having only secured about half of the necessary funds.
Roberson told WSB-TV, "As a family, we have been working together to come up with the funds. We do have about half of what it’s going to cost to give him a nice funeral and burial but it’s just the other half.” The family now seeks the community's help to gather the remaining resources so they can give LaMarcus the respectful farewell he deserves.
LaMarcus was remembered for being larger than life in both stature and heart, with Roberson highlighting his kindness and humor. "He was really silly, really sweet," she reminisced. For those wishing to extend support, information on how to donate to the family's funeral expenses has been made available.
