Latest news with #Smiley
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Rickey Smiley speaks on Omega Psi Phi, Caleb Wilson
The post Rickey Smiley speaks on Omega Psi Phi, Caleb Wilson appeared first on ClutchPoints. While appearing on Jemele Hill's Spolitics podcast, comedian Rickey Smiley expressed his disappointment in his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., following the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died during an unsanctioned ritual while trying to join the fraternity. Smiley had a lot to say about how things have changed within the fraternity. He went on to say that the founders would not support the way things are today and likely wouldn't have selected many individuals who are currently members of Omega Psi Phi. Smiley, who is also a member of other organizations, including Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and the NAACP, stated that the last five physical altercations that he has been in have been with other members of Omega Psi Phi. 'In 25 years in the frat, I have never put my hands on anybody,' he said, stressing that the current behavior shown by fraternity members is 'wrong.' Smiley also revealed that he spoke with Wilson's dad following his death to offer his condolences, stating that he is also a dad who has lost a son. Wilson's dad, who is also a member of Omega Psi Phi, says that Smiley was the first person from their fraternity to offer their condolences. Wilson died back in February during an off-campus, unsanctioned fraternity ritual while pledging Omega Psi Phi. He collapsed after being punched in the chest repeatedly by fraternity members. Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith were arrested in connection to Wilson's death. A Baton Rouge district judge recently set bond conditions for McCray. The judge set McCray's bail at $25,000 for criminal hazing and $75,000 for manslaughter during the March bond hearing. If McCray is found guilty of manslaughter, the most serious accusation, he may face a maximum sentence of 40 years. He is also required to use a phone tracker instead of the traditional ankle monitor. Additionally, McCray is ordered to have no contact with any co-defendants involved in the case. In addition, he must use a phone tracker rather than the conventional ankle monitor. McCray is also prohibited from contacting any of the other defendants in the case. Smiley was initiated into the Psi Rho grad chapter in 2000. Related: Howard University makes huge NIL move before football season Related: 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl date & time revealed
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- General
- Indianapolis Star
'More than a hero': Man drowns while trying to save child in Tennessee
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." 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." 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." 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."
USA Today
2 days ago
- General
- USA Today
'More than a hero': Man drowns while trying to save child in Tennessee
'More than a hero': Man drowns while trying to save child in Tennessee Show Caption Hide Caption Essential water safety tips Learn essential water safety tips to ensure a fun and safe summer for the whole family. 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@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
City Councilman JB Smiley announces father's death
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The chairman of the Memphis City Council, JB Smiley, announced the death of his father, JB Smiley Sr., on social media Monday night. The news comes barely a day after the body of Smiley's nephew, 31-year-old Thaddeus Smiley, was recovered after he died trying to save a family member in the Wolf River. The following was written on Smiley's Facebook page Monday: 'Grief has a way of making the evening feel heavier. I'm becoming all too familiar with the weight of death, but tonight, it carries the name of a man who shaped my world and gave me his name. 'He was a father, a mentor, the strongest man i know and a constant reminder of what I strive to be. His love and lessons will stay with me always. 'Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest well, Daddy.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Community Focus: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley talks tax increases
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley thinks he has the votes in the Rhode Island Senate to raise property taxes in the city past the current 4% cap. Smiley joined 12 News at 4 to talk more about the potential tax increase as well as the future of Providence Place and PVD Fest. Community Focus: RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
