Lamar Odom Accident: Lakers Star Involved in Tragic Accident in New York

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Last week, Los Angeles Lakers big man Lamar Odom returned home to his native Queens to attend his cousin's funeral. Unfortunately for Odom, his homecoming would not get any brighter.

On Thursday, Odom was involved in traffic accident that injured a motorcyclist and a 15-year-old pedestrian. Odom was not hurt in the accident, and because he was riding in the back of a car that was being driven by a chauffeur, he is entirely blameless.

However, that did not mean that Odom was prepared to deal with the sad news that came out on Friday. According to reports, the young pedestrian that was struck in the crash passed away. Doctors did all they could to save him, but there was nothing they could do.

"He was brought in in grave condition," said an Elmhurst Hospital spokesman.

On Monday night, Odom took to Twitter to offer his condolences, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with the young boys family..."

That was the last we heard from Odom, but we can probably take it for granted that this incident is not going to escape him any time soon. Witnesses told WPIX that Odom appeared "devastated" at the time of the accident, and that he was crying at the scene. That was before he knew that the young man, identified as Awsaf Islam, was not going to survive the accident.

You don't have to be a basketball fan with a great awareness of Odom's career to feel something for him right now. There may have been nothing he could have done to prevent the incident, but knowing something like that is not the same as coming to grips with it. That will require time, and it will certainly require plenty of support from his family and friends.

If hoops fans are so inclined, they too can send some support Odom's way. While they're at it, they should be sure to send some thoughts and prayers in the direction of Islam's family. Nobody affected by this tragedy is going to get over it in a hurry, but a few positive vibes could go a long away.

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