Comedian Rickey Smiley announced the death of his oldest son, Brandon Smiley, on Sunday.
A devastated Rickey in an orange Nike hoodie, beige bucket hat and sunglasses appeared in an Instagram video with the words “My son passed away” typed.
“I just had bad news this morning,” he began. “I’m on my way to the airport to get to Birmingham. Just want everybody to pray for me…pray for our family. My son, Brandon Smiley, has passed away this morning. I’m about to go get on a flight and try to get to Birmingham.”
Rickey asked for people to pray for him and his family, including Brandon’s mother, Brenda, his siblings and his 3-year-old daughter, Storm. He admitted to viewers that he was struggling to “think straight.” He apologized to viewers for announcing bad news.
He wrote in the caption, “I lost my oldest son #BrandonSmiley this morning. I’m okay, but please pray for my son’s mother Brenda, his siblings and his daughter Storm.”
View this post on Instagram
Following the announcement of the 32-year-old’s demise, Rickey continued posting videos and photos of his offspring. In one video, Brandon could be seen with a mask explaining that “when you’re a daddy, you’re a daddy for life,” proudly claiming he’s a “daddy’s boy.”
“When you a daddy you a daddy for life.” #BrandonSmiley#DaddysBoy #DaddyForLife pic.twitter.com/JR5W7lKmCd
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
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Rickey tweeted how much he was hurting after learning of his son’s death.
“Never in my life I’ve felt this kind of pain and grief..I don’t see how people survive this,” he posted on Twitter.
#BrandonSmiley pic.twitter.com/9ANZOWE5ZP
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
Many celebrity friends offered prayers and condolences to The Rickey Smiley Show host and his family.
“Love you Rickey & praying for your family,” actress and talk show host Sherri Shepherd commented under a post with a picture of the Smiley family.
“I’m so sorry friend,” singer Tamar Braxton wrote.
“I’m praying my brother,” gospel singer Travis Greene commented.
Born Feb. 9, 1990, Brandon followed his father’s footsteps and pursued comedy, which Rickey has fully supported.
My son #BrandonSmiley‘s first time headlining… I was proud!!! He was prepared, funny, had great stage presence and he was nicely dressed!!! I can honestly say he can close a show!!!! Was past my bed time but I had to see for myself!! Good job!!!❤️ @StarDome pic.twitter.com/rlvLZEQqfH
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) October 30, 2020
No cause of death was revealed.
