Overview:
xKyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks star, addressed the victims of the deadly apartment explosion in Dallas during a Twitch livestream. The explosion, which killed three people and displaced dozens of families, was caused by a gas line rupture during construction work. Irving expressed his condolences and said he plans to pay his respects to the families of the victims in a private manner. He also encouraged those who tuned in to keep the victims in their thoughts and prayers. Irving has a history of showing up for communities in need, partnering with Paul Quinn College to provide apparel and footwear for the school's basketball programs and working on a court restoration project at a local park.
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving addressed victims of a deadly apartment explosion that rocked Dallas earlier this week during a Friday night livestream on Twitch.
“I definitely wanted to send my prayers out to the families in Oak Cliff. There was a terrible, unfortunate fire over there,” Irving said.
Irving was speaking about the May 28 explosion at The Clyde Apartments in Oak Cliff that killed Sylvia Collins, 38-year-old Marisol Perez and Perez’ 18-month-old son Erik Perez Jr.
Sylvia Collins was an activist and organizer who served as Dallas County Democratic Party precinct chair for District 1201. Collins’ role in Oak Cliff was defined by public service. She worked closely with neighbors on voting rights, immigration issues and helping others in need. Friends and local officials described her as a constant presence for those who could use a helping hand.
Marisol Perez was a 38-year-old mother whose family said her world revolved around her children. She died alongside her 18-month-old son while her daughter survived the explosion and escaped the building.
Dallas officials said the explosion happened after a gas line was ruptured during construction work nearby. The gas leak reportedly caused an explosion that gutted part of the apartment complex and displaced dozens of families. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Irving said he has been thinking about those affected by the tragedy while away from Dallas.
“When I go back to Dallas, I’m definitely going to pay my respects in a different way. You guys know I like to do things without it being recognized. I don’t do it for the likes. I don’t do it for no attention. I just care.”
Irving’s comments about showing up for others align with initiatives he has already supported throughout Dallas. Most notably, Irving partnered with Paul Quinn College to provide ANTA apparel and footwear for the school’s basketball programs and worked with ANTA and Sneaker Politics on a court restoration project at Fahim J. Minkah Community Park in Highland Hills.
The remarks reflected an approach Irving has embraced throughout his time in Dallas: showing up when communities need support.
“When I feel like people are struggling, I try to show up and do my part,” Irving said. “I can’t be everywhere. I can’t show up everywhere at once but the times where I can show up and try to make an impact, it’s always coming from the heart.”
Irving concluded by encouraging those who tuned into the livestream to keep Collins and the Perez family in their thoughts and prayers.
““Please continue to pray for those families and the victims that unfortunately lost their lives,” Irving said.
Irving did not specify how he plans to pay his respects to the families of the victims, but his message served as a reminder that Oak Cliff’s loss continues to resonate far beyond the neighborhood itself.
