Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles released a statement regarding Jovan Belcher on Monday, saying that the loss hits him close since he didn’t just lose a team mate, but also a family member. Charles said his wife, Whitney was first cousins with Belcher’s girlfriend, Kassandra Perkins.
Our family has suffered a personal tragic loss,” Charles and his wife, Whitney, said. “Kassandra Perkins was in-fact first cousin to my wife, Whitney. As this is a very tough time for our family, I ask that we are respected as we grieve. Kassandra was not only family, but a friend and a loving mother. As my actual family and my Kansas City Chiefs family have been altered forever, we ask that you keep us and most importantly their child in prayer.
“Thank you all for your continued support.”
The Perkins family also spoke for the first time, releasing the following statement:
“On behalf of the Perkins Family, we appreciate the outpouring of love and concern for our Kassandra “Kasi” Perkins. “Our hearts are truly broken for Kasi was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, cousin and friend. At this time we request the media respect our privacy during this difficult time as we grieve for our loved one. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers as well as the Belcher family for two lives were loss. Again we thank you for your support, our wish is for Kasi to be remembered for the love she shared with us all. Kasi will be truly missed!”
Belcher killed Perkins prior to killing himself on Saturday.
