Rodney King’s family is holding a memorial service Saturday afternoon at the Forest Lawn Hall in Hollywood Hills and asking for donations to help fund King’s funeral, expected to cost $22,000, his family said in a statement.
King became famous after his beating by Los Angeles police in 1991 was captured on videotape and broadcast worldwide.
A year later, four police officers were acquitted of the beatings, igniting one of the worst riots in United States history. At least 53 people died and up to $1 billion in damages were reported.
The events triggered King to make a public plea when he asked his legendary question, "Can we get along?"
King was awarded $3.9 million in a settlement from the city of Los Angeles.
Publicist Kali Bowyer said the family is asking for donations toward King’s funeral because the money went quickly, as King had to support his children and grandchildren.
The bulk of the cost is covered, but the family needs help in covering the cost of flowers, programs and unpaid bills, said Bowyer.
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King, a reportedly avid swimmer, was found dead by his fiancée at the bottom of his swimming pool in Rialto on June 17. He was 47 years old.
"Our family is looking forward to a swift investigation into the death of our father … we put our faith in the authorities responsible for handling matter,” King’s daughter said in a statement.
The family asked donations be sent to the Rodney Glen King memorial fund through Bank of America in Los Angeles County.
The funeral will be open to the public, Bowyer said, but seating is limited. The burial will be private.
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