Promoter King to Aid Family

Promoter Don King, saying he was still in shock over the death of boxer Ernie Magdaleno, who was killed Sunday in an automobile accident, said Wednesday he is “morally obligated” to help the Magdaleno family with funeral, medical and living expenses.

After speaking with Magdaleno’s widow, Carrie, King said his intentions changed on the amount he would contribute when he realized the two were connecting on a spiritual level.

“It’s going to be much more now,” said King, who promoted Magdaleno’s fights the last three years. “I was going to help the family anyway, but I was really impressed with Carrie and how she’s handling everything. She is a strong woman.

“The money is of no consequence. I thank God I have it to give. I don’t need to do this. I’m under no obligation. This is the moral thing to do.”

Beyond paying for the funeral, King said he will pay for costs incurred since Sunday’s fatal accident and some of those that will come up as Carrie tries to raise her children, Samantha, 6, and Joshua, 2. Carrie Magdaleno said her family did not have health or life insurance.

“He’s a very nice man,” said Carrie Magdaleno, who was released from the hospital Wednesday with her daughter Samantha.

King said he was “blown away” by Carrie Magdaleno’s story of her conversation with Ernie before he died at the scene of Sunday’s accident.

“She said she told him the truth, that ‘You’re not going to make it,’ ” King said from his headquarters in Oakland Park, Fla. “She expressed her love to him and that she would provide for the children. I can’t believe the courage this woman has.”

Magdaleno said she had no comment on the accident, which was caused by a motorist being chased by police, and that she is trying to get through the funeral.

“Our family is very grateful for the support and the prayers we’re receiving,” she said. “It helps keep me strong.”

King said he had planned to use Magdaleno, who was the World Boxing Council’s fifth-ranked light heavyweight, on his show in Phoenix before the Super Bowl. The show is being televised by Fox.

“The whole thing is heart-rendering,” King said.

Carrie Magdaleno said the costs of raising two children will not be easy without a husband.

“I want to be able to provide for my children,” she said. “But I’ve been a housewife, and a good one too. Obviously that’s going to change. But I’d like a future for my kids and I’ll do what I have to do to provide that.”

The California State Athletic Commission said they probably would not be able to help the Magdaleno family. Richard DeCuir, executive officer of the California State Athletic Commission, said their fund only applies to boxers who die in the ring, but he is asking attorneys to see if there are any loopholes in the rules that might apply to Magdaleno’s situation.

But it appears the Magdaleno family will receive some money from the boxers and wrestlers welfare fund that is used specifically for death and medical expenses. Don Chargin, a member of the fund’s board of directors, said he expects Magdaleno’s family to receive some of the $250,000 that remains in the fund.

“I’m sure we’ll do something,” Chargin said. “They haven’t turned anybody down yet.”