When we think of NBA superstar Russell Westbrook, we usually picture fast breaks, slam dunks, and intense matchups on the court. But off the court, Westbrook is now turning his focus to something much more personal—and deeply meaningful.
The Los Angeles-based athlete recently announced the launch of Eazewell, an AI-powered funeral planning startup designed to simplify the complex process of arranging funerals. Partnering with fellow former NBA star Kemba Walker and longtime friend Donnell Beverly Jr., Westbrook is stepping into the world of AI funeral services with a heartfelt mission.
What is Eazewell?
Eazewell is an AI funeral app that helps families handle funeral planning with ease. It takes care of everything—from coordinating services and managing paperwork to organizing invitations and even canceling things like utility bills and social media accounts after a loved one passes away.
The funeral planning platform is completely free to use and doesn’t show ads (at least for now). So far, it has helped over 1,000 families during its beta testing phase.
“We created this to take the weight off people’s shoulders,” said Kemba Walker. “No one teaches us how to plan a funeral, and when the time comes, most of us feel lost.”
Why Russell Westbrook and Friends Created It
The idea for Eazewell funeral services didn’t just come out of nowhere. It was inspired by painful personal experiences.
Back in high school, Westbrook and Beverly lost a close friend, Khelcey Barrs III, to a heart condition. The tragedy left a mark. Westbrook still wears a bracelet with “KB3” engraved on it and even honored his friend with a special edition of his Jordan Why Not Zer0.6 shoes.
Later, Beverly’s experience planning funerals for his parents showed him just how messy and stressful the process can be. That’s when the idea started taking shape.
“It was overwhelming,” Beverly shared. “That’s when I knew we had to create a better way for families to get through this.”
How Eazewell’s AI Works
At the heart of Eazewell is AI technology for funeral planning. One standout feature is a voice-activated AI agent that can call funeral homes, get price quotes, and help users compare their options.
Viviane Ghaderi, former Amazon exec and now Eazewell’s Chief Technology Officer, says today’s AI advancements in funeral services are finally capable of handling delicate tasks with empathy and compassion.
A Growing Vision
While Eazewell hasn’t revealed how much funding it has raised, the company has already locked in revenue-sharing deals with funeral-related service providers. It’s also forming new partnerships with finance and life insurance companies to expand its offerings.
Stephen Stokols, an early investor and CEO of Tru Skye Ventures, said what drew him to the startup was how AI can modernize the funeral industry, which he describes as being stuck in the “dark ages.”
For Westbrook, this venture is all about purpose.
“Life changes in an instant. You don’t get to choose the moment, but you do get to choose how you respond. Eazewell is our way of stepping up during the moments that matter most.”
Final Thoughts
Eazewell isn’t just another tech company. It’s a platform built out of personal loss, designed to bring comfort and clarity when people need it most. Whether you’re actively planning or just want to be prepared, this AI funeral planning tool aims to guide families through every step of the process with care and simplicity.
With Westbrook, Walker, and Beverly leading the way, Eazewell is proving that tech—and teamwork—can make a meaningful difference even off the court.
