1 year ago
35
In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2023
Rickey Smiley is reflecting connected his lad Brandon Smiley's abrupt passing.
A small much than a period aft sharing that his lad died astatine the property of 32, the vigor property is opening up astir Brandon's imaginable origin of death, noting that substance usage could person been a factor.
"He was struggling with that," Rickey, who shared Brandon with ex Brenda Morris said during the March 2 occurrence of Today. "His parent and I made respective attempts to effort and nonstop him to get the assistance helium needed, nonstop him to rehab. And we thought that helium was doing better."
And though he noted that Brandon "used and it killed him," the 54-year-old besides explained that his mentation hasn't been confirmed yet, arsenic the household awaits pending reports.
"We haven't got a toxicology study yet," helium continued. "But this is conscionable what we are speculating, according to his woman who recovered him unresponsive."
The Rickey Smiley Morning Show big besides went connected to stock a connection astir discussing substance usage with those that whitethorn request help.
"We person to person a conversation," helium said. "I think the parents are having the conversation. The occupation is getting the kids to perceive to these conversations."
Getty Images
Rickey besides took a infinitesimal to retrieve his son, recalling Brandon's notable consciousness of humor, adding that helium was "always the leader" and "always the prankster."
In precocious January, Rickey shared quality of Brandon's passing connected societal media, noting that helium received a telephone portion connected his mode to the airport. In his affectional message, Rickey—who is besides dada to D'Essence, 25, Taylor, 22, Malik, 21, and Aaryn, 21—asked fans and supporters for prayers during his family's hard time.
"I'm OK," Rickey said successful his Jan. 29 Instagram video. "Pray for my son's parent and my son's siblings."
For the latest breaking quality updates, click present to download the E! News App
