Alexis Henderson, the daughter of the late Rickey Henderson, released a statement on Saturday morning, clarifying that there will not be a funeral service for Rickey Henderson on Sunday at the Paramount Theatre.
“This erroneous information has caused unnecessary confusion and distraction during an already difficult time of grief and mourning for Rickey’s loved ones, friends, and fans,” read the statement. “We understand that some individuals have traveled great distances in support, believing the false report, and we deeply regret any distress that this situation has caused.”
Henderson, the all-time leader in steals, runs scored, unintentional walks and leadoff home runs, died on Dec. 20 due to complications from pneumonia and asthma. He would have turned 66 on Christmas Day. Henderson, who grew up in Oakland and attended Oakland Technical High School, played for the A’s in 14 of his 25 major-league seasons.
Following Henderson’s death, several fans created a memorial at the gates of the Oakland Coliseum, one featuring candles, flowers and signs.
“The Henderson family has confirmed that they have no association with the false information and are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community,” continued the statement. “They ask for privacy as they navigate this time of loss and remember Rickey’s remarkable legacy both on and off the field.
“We urge everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information and to respect the family’s wishes during this sensitive period. For accurate updates and information, please refer to official channels.”