Comedian and syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley appeared on the “Today” show and opened up about the loss of his son Brandon Smiley.
On Sunday, January 29, Brandon was found unresponsive inside his residence by a friend, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office around 10:07 a.m.
Brandon Smiley was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 a.m.
He was 32 years young.
During his appearance on the “Today” show, Rickey Smiley shared that his son died from a drug overdose.
Rickey shared that Brandon struggled with drug abuse.
He was struggling with that. His mother and I made several attempts to try to send him to get the help that he needed – send him to rehab.
We thought that he was doing better. He had just joined the church and he got baptized again probably a month before he passed away.
He went in…he used and it killed him.
Rickey Smiley noted that they have not received the toxicology report yet, they are basing Brandon’s cause of death on the information provided by his girlfriend.
Rickey went on to talk about how parents are trying to have conversations with their kids about the dangers of drugs, but the challenge is getting them to listen.
Brandon, we had been talking to him for years, I don’t know why. I don’t know how. His mother is clean and sober her whole life. She lives in Atlanta with Brandon’s bonus father.
And myself, we are all clean and sober.
I don’t know…I hate it.
Watch Rickey Smiley’s exclusive interview below.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to Rickey Smiley and his family during this extremely difficult time.
I appreciate him for thinking of others to share warnings with other parents during his time of loss.
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