'More than a hero': Man drowns while trying to save child in Tennessee
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A 31-year-old man died while trying to save a young child at risk of being swept away in a river in Tennessee.
Thaddeus Smiley, 31, was among a group of 11 people hanging out on a sandbar in the middle of Wolf River in Memphis just before 2 p.m. May 30, when a child started struggling to swim, prompting Smiley and another man to jump into the water to save the child, Shelby County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said in a press conference.
While the child and the other rescuer made it out of the water uninjured, Smiley wasn't as fortunate and got caught up in the current.
A search and rescue operation involving more than 100 first responders and volunteers was launched and continued for three days over the weekend before Smiley's body was eventually located about half a mile from where he went into the water on June 1.
Six boat teams from multiple agencies and three drone teams were deployed in the search operation that covered over 8 miles of the river from Walnut Grove to Hollywood overpass, while Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency patrolled the river with three sonar teams scanning the riverbed using specialized equipment. A sheriff's office dive team was also engaged in the operation, which was challenging and dangerous due to the current moving at about six miles an hour, Buckner said.
Buckner, in a follow-up press conference, after Smiley's body was located, said the sheriff's office has launched an investigation into his death and that "detectives will be going over statements, what occurred before this incident happened, so we can piece together all that happened and provide some additional closure for the Smiley family."
Smiley was the nephew of Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr.
"We wanted my nephew to come back to us safely more than anything in the world," JB Smiley Jr. said at the June 1 press conference. "We didn't get the result we wanted, but we got something that was deeply important to every single person that uses the Smiley name. Our family member, our beloved Thaddeus Smiley, is back with us. He's no longer in the river. We know exactly where he is."
This has been an incredibly difficult time for my family. I'm heartbroken to share that the body of my nephew, Thaddeus... Posted by JB Smiley Jr. on Sunday, June 1, 2025
'A hero in every sense'
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, in a statement, lauded Smiley for his bravery, calling him "a hero in every sense of the word."
"He was an incredible young man, someone with the type of courage we should also wish we could emulate," he added. "My prayers are with the Smiley family."
Family sets up memorial
Smiley's family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral and memorial expenses, and to support the family "during this painful time."
The GoFundMe, set up by Javarious Smiley, on behalf of the Smiley family, noted Thaddeus "made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save our 10-year-old nephew who was struggling in the waters of the Wolf River."
"Without hesitation, he dove in to help — because that's who he was. Brave. Selfless. Compassionate," the GoFundMe said. "Thaddeus was more than a hero that day — he was a loving brother, a son, a friend, and a beacon of light in our lives. He showed us what true courage looks like."
The GoFundMe with a goal of $6.5K had raised more than $4,000 as of June 4.
"Thaddeus's legacy of love, strength, and sacrifice will never be forgotten," the GoFundMe said. "Help us honor him the way he deserves."
Authorities urge public to be careful around Wolf River
Buckner, during the press conference, also stressed on the dangers of Wolf River and the importance of teaching young people to swim.
"I want to take this opportunity to speak about water safety," Buckner said. "We know this time of year, families, particularly children, are involved in a lot of different water activities, so we want to encourage parents to start making some decisions about lessons."
Buckner urged the public to wear appropriate swimming gear such as life-saving vests to avoid such incident and highlighted the dangers of the Wolf River.
"The Wolf River is very unpredictable for the most experienced people," Buckner said. "We want parents to take this opportunity to have serious conversations and make critical decisions about water safety, and the right or appropriate equipment where you going to be out on the water."
The deputy added: "Not a single person who been recovered out of Wolf River since 2013 has been wearing a life jacket. So, our plea to the public (is) anytime you are around swift or unfamiliar water, such as the Wolf River, bring some type of life saving jackets."
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
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