Comedian and radio host Rickey Smiley is grieving the loss of his eldest son, Brandon Smiley. He has asked family and friends to give him a little breathing room as he processes the unexpected loss. According to reports, no foul play is suspected in Brandon’s untimely death. More inside…
Rickey Smiley is living every parent’s worst nightmare.
On Sunday, the comedian announced the devastating news to his fans and followers on social media that his eldest son, Brandon Jamaad Smiley, 32, had passed away.
“I have bad news this morning,” Rickey said in a video posted on his Instagram. “I just want everyone to pray for me, pray for my family. My son, Brandon Smiley has passed away this morning. “My son, Brandon Smiley, has passed away this morning. I’m about to get on a flight to Birmingham. I hate to announce this. I just want to give it to you before you hear it in the streets.”
Watch the emotional video above.
In the video, Rickey didn’t share the cause of death or any other details.
#BrandonSmiley pic.twitter.com/9ANZOWE5ZP
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
Brandon leaves behind a young daughter, named Storm, a devoted girlfriend, a mother, and siblings.
On the day of his death, Brandon’s girlfriend shared a video of herself with Brandon, expressing how he’s the one for her. It’s unclear if she posted it before or after his passing.
AL.com is reporting that no foul play is suspected in Brandon’s death.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Brandon Jamaad Smiley was discovered unresponsive inside his home by a friend. A friend discovered the body at 10:07 a.m. Sunday in the 2300 block of 31st Ave. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead at 10:52 a.m. North. He was scheduled to go to church with his grandma before the family received the news.
Malik, Aaryn, D’essence, Brandon and me pic.twitter.com/NM7MWJqjqP
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
According to AL.com, Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates stated that an autopsy performed early Monday found no evidence of trauma or foul play and that the cause of death is pending additional laboratory studies. Birmingham police are investigating.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his condolences to the Smiley family on Twitter.
I’m devastated to hear that my friend @RickeySmiley has lost his son Brandon.
Rickey has given so much to our city; this is the time when we need to give back to him. Join me in wrapping our arms around him & his family during this difficult time. We’re praying for you, Rickey.
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) January 29, 2023
“I’m devastated to hear that my friend @RickeySmiley has lost his son Brandon,” tweeted Mayor Woodfin. “Rickey has given so much to our city; this is the time when we need to give back to him. Join me in wrapping our arms around him & his family during this difficult time. We’re praying for you, Rickey.”
Friends, fans and followers of Rickey Smiley have taken to social media to offer their condolences and support to the family during this difficult time. The comedian, who admitted to being overwhelmed,” asked everyone to kindly stop texting him and assured everyone that he would get back to them eventually.
All friends and relatives. Can y’all give me a minute. Please stop texting. Feeling overwhelmed. I know your heart. Please don’t retext. I’m gonna hit everyone back. It’s difficult
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
”All friends and relatives. Can y’all give me a minute,” Rickey tweeted. “Please stop texting. Feeling overwhelmed. I know your heart. Please don’t retext. I’m gonna hit everyone back. It’s difficult.”
Fans mentioned in the comments Brandon and Rickey hadn’t spoken to one another in over two years, but that has not been confirmed:
In another video, Rickey explained how the reality of his son being gone was setting in, and he thanked everyone who reached out to him.
”Losing your child is a terrible nightmare. Yesterday was the shock of losing my son #BrandonSmiley, but today reality is setting in. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, kind words, text messages and calls. I really appreciate it,” he wrote in the caption of his video.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Brandon Smiley had worked as a comedian and actor. A few years ago, he tired his hand at stand-up comedy:
Brandon also appeared in Rickey’s unscripted reality series, “Rickey Smiley for Real.”
“When you a daddy you a daddy for life.” #BrandonSmiley#DaddysBoy #DaddyForLife pic.twitter.com/JR5W7lKmCd
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
Our thoughts are with Rickey Smiley and his family as they navigate this challenging time and remember the life and legacy of Brandon Smiley.
Photo: Rickey’s Twitter
