Cincinnati native killed by Akron police was successful but struggled with mental illness, sister says
Marcus L. Smith, the 39-year-old man who was shot and killed by Akron police on Monday morning, was successful and loved people and sports but struggled with severe mental illness, his sister shared in a statement with the Beacon Journal on Wednesday.
Smith's sister, Ashley Ivory, wrote that her brother taught sociology at the University of Cincinnati and was dismissed in spring 2023. Afterward, she said, he frequently tried to get help for his mental illness and depression.
"Marcus recognized his weaknesses, so he took matters into his own hands," Ivory wrote. "He admitted himself into the hospital for mental evaluation, partly because of his bouts with paranoia. He twice sought medical help, but there were no plans to deal or cope with his situation following his treatment.
"As a consequence, his life slowly unraveled. He lost his support system: a caring stepfather, who served as his confidante; a grandmother who was his best friend. Ultimately, he was forced to rely on medications that only worsened his condition."
Smith's depression increased after he received a buyout from the university, Ivory wrote.
Smith was born in Akron and grew up in Cincinnati, according to the family statement. He played on the 2002 state championship-winning Roger Bacon High School basketball team that beat LeBron James and St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
He was a published author and a college coach.
Ivory called Smith, who held multiple master's degrees, "a remarkably accomplished young man."
In 2015, Smith was a graduate assistant for the University of Akron. He also worked as an Olympic staff coordinator from 2015 to 2017, and during that time worked with Olympians such as the late NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant.
"Marcus was a devoted family man and friend who always supported others who were in need. Yet, he talked about ending it all because he couldn't get the help he needed," Ivory wrote. "We implore everyone to make an effort to recognize the signs of mental health, which is often difficult.
"My brother was an intelligent man who struggled with identifying his illness. Our family asks everyone in the Akron community to check on your loved ones and support them, sometimes when they can't help themselves."
Officers originally responded to reports of a stolen Toyota Camry at about 8:45 a.m. on Monday, finding the vehicle near Ira Avenue and Lakeshore Boulevard. As officers tried to stop the vehicle, Smith reportedly fired at them, according to police.
The officers returned fire, striking him at least once, police said. Smith was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
No officers were injured during the shooting. The three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Akron police auditor conduct separate investigations.
An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Marcus L. Smith, shot by Akron police, had mental illness, family says
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