On Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere at Kevin Faulk’s family home was heavy with grief. Photographs of Tanasha and Kevione remained prominently displayed, reminding everyone of their two daughters who had passed away too soon.
Kevin Faulk, the LSU legend, former NFL player, and three-time Super Bowl champion, stood silently gazing at his daughters’ portraits, his eyes red with tears.
Just four years after Kevione’s tragic death, he now suffered the loss of Tanasha, 30, who died at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. The cause of death has not been revealed, but there are no signs of foul play.
Tanasha was remembered as a compassionate daughter who always loved her family and brought joy to those around her. Her eulogy read:
“Tanasha will be remembered forever for her kindness, her unwavering love for her family, and the light she brought to all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children and family.”
She was “welcomed into heaven” alongside her sister Kevione, who passed away in 2021, just weeks before her 20th birthday. The family also lost a son, Kevin Faulk Jr.,
while her three surviving children, Tavion, Kevin III, and Tionne, remain. Tanasha also worked as a staff member for the LFU football education program, dedicating herself to the younger generation of players.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder star, arrived at the Faulk home, walking slowly, his eyes filled with sympathy. He greeted the family, then approached Kevin, firmly grasping his hand, his gaze sincere:
“I can’t imagine the pain your family is going through… Tanasha and Kevione will always live in everyone’s hearts. I’m here not just as a player, but as a compassionate person.”
Kevin Faulk, the specialist in agate, nodded:
“Thank you, Shai… thank you so much. We’re trying to live on without you.”
Tanasha’s mother, Lynae Hutchinson, also broke down in tears:
“Both children were the light of our family… and now, they are displayed in heaven. Shai’s presence makes us feel less lonely.”
Shai gently relaxed, whispering:
“They will always remember… all the effort, all the love you brought to the world will never be lost.”
Not only did he offer condolences, Shai spoke with each family member, sharing personal experiences and spreading a little bit of mythical strength to them. This act quickly spread on social media, earning him the compassion and sensitivity of NBA fans.
The heartbreaking story of Kevin Faulk’s family becomes even more poignant when considering his legendary career: a 4,557-yard rush in 41 games for LSU – a record second only to Herschel Walker; a 2022 College Football Hall of Fame inductee; and three Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots.
After retiring, he returned to LSU as a coach, leading the team to a national championship in 2019, mentoring stars like Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase.
However, amidst the glory, personal pain remains unaddressed. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s actions – sharing his grief, embracing Kevin, and talking to his children – serve as a living testament to humanity, empathy, and compassion in the face of unbearable sorrow.
As Shai departed, Kevin Faulk watched, his eyes dry but filled with gratitude:
“Acts like this… make me believe that even in the greatest pain there is still kindness and compassion.”
And in the silence of the house, the story of Tanasha and Kevione – two departed souls – was recounted with respect, remembrance, and love that never faded, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander left a difficult mark on the hidden depths of human compassion.
