NBA Stars Launch Eazewell: AI-Powered Platform Simplifies Funeral Planning for Grieving Families

Eazewell, an AI-powered funeral planning and facilitation platform, has officially launched to the public, co-founded by Donnell Beverly Jr., NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, and NBA All-Star Kemba Walker. The platform aims to alleviate the logistical and financial burdens that often accompany the loss of a loved one, providing a comprehensive solution for grief-stricken families. Beverly Jr., the CEO and co-founder, along with Westbrook and Walker, drew inspiration from their own personal losses, particularly the sudden death of their high school friend and teammate, Khelcey Barrs III, to an enlarged heart. This tragic experience, combined with Beverly Jr.'s subsequent loss of both parents, underscored the lack of support and resources available to families during such difficult times. Russell Westbrook, known for his exceptional career in the NBA, has previously channeled personal grief into public tributes, such as wearing wristbands and dedicating games to those he has lost. This experience motivated him to co-found Eazewell, aiming to provide comprehensive support to others in similar situations. "Witnessing the profound impact it had on the family left a lasting impression on me," said Westbrook. "Eazewell is the solution we wished they had then, and we’re turning that pain into service." Eazewell's AI-driven platform serves as a digital concierge, automating various tasks associated with funeral planning. It includes features like requesting quotes, curating funeral home options, managing essential paperwork, and even negotiating prices on behalf of the users. During the beta testing phase, over 1,000 families utilized the platform, highlighting the significant demand for a streamlined and supportive funeral planning solution. The technology significantly reduces the time and emotional strain typically required to arrange a funeral, where families often spend hours on phone calls and paperwork, repeating personal details, and discussing pricing with multiple providers. One of the key advancements in Eazewell’s technology is the use of agentic AI, which can perform complex tasks such as sentiment analysis, text-to-voice capabilities, and data extraction. These tools enable the AI to manage form-filling and multi-step negotiations in real-time, adapting to user needs and maintaining a compassionate tone throughout the process. Viviane Ghaderi, CTO of Eazewell, explained that recent breakthroughs in AI have made it possible to handle sensitive, multifaceted logistics that were previously considered too nuanced for automation. The platform's features include dynamic checklists, 24/7 support, and the option to work with human specialists who ensure every aspect of the funeral arrangement is covered. This blend of cutting-edge technology and human empathy is designed to allow families to focus more on remembering their loved ones and less on bureaucracy. Industry insiders have praised Eazewell for its innovative approach. Stephen Stokols, an early investor and co-founder of Tru Skye Ventures, noted, "The funeral industry hasn’t changed in decades. Using AI to minimize red tape and simplify the toughest parts of funeral planning puts families first and modernizes a process that’s stuck in old methods." Chad Brownstein, Founder and Chairman of Rocky Mountain Resources and Co-Founder of Banc of California, added, "Eazewell is addressing a critical gap in the market by combining AI with a human touch to provide much-needed support during one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. This is a groundbreaking initiative." Eazewell is now available nationwide, offering both online and concierge-based assistance. To learn more about the platform and explore partnership opportunities, visit www.eazewell.com. Eazewell represents a significant step forward in the funeral industry, leveraging advanced AI to streamline and humanize a traditionally cumbersome process. With its powerful combination of technology and compassion, the platform is poised to offer substantial relief to families navigating the difficult terrain of end-of-life planning.