Latest news with #ThaddeusSmiley
Indianapolis Star
17 hours 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
18 hours 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
WATCH: SCSO confirms body of missing man found at Wolf River
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has announced that the body of a missing man has been found at Wolf River. The announcement came during a press conference SCSO hosted at Wolf River on Sunday evening. Since Friday, SCSO and other agencies have been at Wolf River working to locate 31-year-old Thaddeus Smiley, who was swept away by the Wolf River on Friday. Officials said that Smiley was swept away by the river while trying to rescue a 10-year-old. 'One thing about the Wolf River, it is complete with sand and mud,' Buckner said. 'There are times when people enter the river, and just a little bit of weight on the bottom of the river can create suction that can pull someone down or hold them down.' 120 people searching Wolf River for missing man: SCSO SCSO announced on social media that the following agencies are assisting with the search on Sunday: Shelby County Sheriff's Office, including the Volunteer Services Bureau, Uniform Patrol, Drone Team, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Services. Millington Fire Department Search and Rescue. Memphis Fire Department Search and Rescue. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley confirmed the victim is his relative. He posted a Facebook post saying, 'My nephew, Thaddeus Smiley, was swept away by the Wolf River. He is still missing. Please keep my family in your prayers. Tough time for us. Thank you to all the First Responders and volunteers.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
SCSO: 120 people assisting in search for missing man at Wolf River
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Around 120 deputies, firefighters and volunteers are participating in the Shelby County Sheriff's Office search for a man who went missing in the Wolf River on Friday. The search for 31-year-old Thaddeus Smiley continued Saturday morning around 8 a.m. Officials said the Wolf River current drifted Smiley away on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, his loved ones were huddled together on the sidelines, waiting and praying for his return. SCSO announced on social media that the following agencies are assisting with the search: Shelby County Sheriff's Office, including the Volunteer Services Bureau, Uniform Patrol, Drone Team, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Services Shelby County Fire Department Search and Rescue Memphis Fire Department Search and Rescue Shelby County Emergency Management Agency ORIGINAL STORY: Search in Wolf River for man missing after trying to save a child Shelby County Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner previously told Your News Leader that the location where Smiley was last seen is moving at roughly six miles per hour, creating dangerous and challenging conditions for crews. 'There is a lot of debris that flows in the Wolf River, and even the most experienced swimmers can find themselves in trouble when you enter the Wolf River,' Buckner said. SCSO said that some of the resources that have been deployed include three drone teams, six boat teams from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, four sonar teams and SCSO's dive team. Additionally, the Sonar Emily, a radio-controlled sonar boat, is being used to inspect the river floor. Three ground search teams are actively searching the riverbanks. Expungement clinic offers fresh start for people with criminal records 'One thing about the Wolf River, it is complete with sand and mud,' Buckner said. 'There are times when people enter the river and just a little bit of weight on the bottom of the river can create suction that can pull someone down or hold them down.' Mmephis City Councilman JB Smiley confirmed the victim is his relative. He posted a Facebook post saying, 'My nephew, Thaddeus Smiley, was swept away by the Wolf River. He is still missing. Please keep my family in your prayers. Tough time for us. Thank you to all the First Responders and volunteers.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
