ATLANTA -- Atlanta Hawks player Josh Smith will financially help the family of slain Cobb County high school football star, Rajaan Bennett.

McEachern High Player Rajaan Bennett

Powder Springs police said the 18-year old McEachern High School senior was shot and killed last month by his mother’s ex-boyfriend. His death rocked many people across the state.

Smith will help the Bennetts with their living expenses for the next six months.

The Hawks player said, “I can't imagine what his family is going through, but hopefully this will give them one less thing to worry about as they try to cope with this terrible tragedy."

Smith met the high school star last summer and said he was very impressed with him as a person, student and athlete. He had a 3.8 grade point average and had recently signed a letter of intent to play football for Vanderbilt University.

The Hawks will also recognize Bennett at halftime during Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons.