Russell Westbrook Co-Founding AI Funeral Planning Startup Eazewell

DENVER, Colorado — Russell Westbrook, guard for the Denver Nuggets, has launched an AI-driven startup called Eazewell, inspired by the loss of his close friend. The announcement was made on May 7, 2025, and Westbrook is joined by fellow co-founders Donnell Beverly Jr. and Kemba Walker, both former NCAA champions.

The motivation for Eazewell stems from Westbrook’s experience with grief after losing Khelcey Barrs III, his best friend who died at age 16. Beverly Jr. also shares a similar backstory, having faced the loss of both parents. He emphasized the difficulties families encounter during funeral planning in these tough times.

Eazewell aims to bridge this gap by providing a platform that utilizes AI technology for personalized funeral planning. The service offers round-the-clock AI support, helping users connect with funeral homes based on their needs, location, and budget. It also simplifies paperwork like death certificates and outreach to financial institutions, offers payment solutions, and manages various logistics related to funeral arrangements.

“Years ago, Donnell and I connected through the loss of a close friend. Witnessing the profound impact it had on the family left a lasting impression on me,” Westbrook said. “Eazewell is the solution we wished they had then.” He expressed pride in providing a service that supports families during their hardest moments.

Beverly Jr., who serves as CEO of Eazewell, reiterated the importance of making end-of-life planning easier for families. “When I lost my parents, I spent too much time on calls and paperwork when I would have preferred to mourn and support my family. We built Eazewell so people don’t have to go through that alone,” he stated.

Beverly’s journey through loss resonates with other notable investors like Stephen Stokols, CEO of Boost Mobile, who recognizes the lasting issues in the funeral industry. “The funeral industry hasn’t changed in decades,” Stokols remarked. “Using AI to minimize red tape and simplify the toughest parts of funeral planning puts families first.”

Eazewell is designed to assist users nationwide with pricing and financing options. The startup is co-led by former Amazon executive Viviane Ghaderi, highlighting their commitment to modernizing funeral services through innovative technology.