Current:Home > NewsRickey Smiley Shares Suspected Cause of 32-Year-Old Son Brandon's Death-InfoLens
Rickey Smiley Shares Suspected Cause of 32-Year-Old Son Brandon's Death
View Date:2024-12-23 15:31:59
Rickey Smiley is reflecting on his son Brandon Smiley's sudden passing.
A little more than a month after sharing that his son died at the age of 32, the radio personality is opening up about Brandon's possible cause of death, noting that substance use could have been a factor.
"He was struggling with that," Rickey, who shared Brandon with ex Brenda Morris said during the March 2 episode of Today. "His mother and I made several attempts to try and send him to get the help he needed, send him to rehab. And we thought that he was doing better."
And though he noted that Brandon "used and it killed him," the 54-year-old also explained that his theory hasn't been confirmed yet, as the family awaits pending reports.
"We haven't got a toxicology report yet," he continued. "But this is just what we are speculating, according to his girlfriend who found him unresponsive."
The Rickey Smiley Morning Show host also went on to share a message about discussing substance use with those that may need help.
"We have to have a conversation," he said. "I think the parents are having the conversation. The problem is getting the kids to listen to these conversations."
Rickey also took a moment to remember his son, recalling Brandon's notable sense of humor, adding that he was "always the leader" and "always the prankster."
In late January, Rickey shared news of Brandon's passing on social media, noting that he received a call while on his way to the airport. In his emotional message, Rickey—who is also dad to D'Essence, 25, Taylor, 22, Malik, 21, and Aaryn, 21—asked fans and supporters for prayers during his family's difficult time.
"I'm OK," Rickey said in his Jan. 29 Instagram video. "Pray for my son's mother and my son's siblings."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (65822)
Related
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul stirs debate: Is this a legitimate fight?
- Why Princess Anne's Children Don't Have Royal Titles
- Today’s Climate: May 4, 2010
- Kourtney Kardashian's Stepdaughter Alabama Barker Claps Back at Makeup and Age Comments
- Controversial comedian Shane Gillis announces his 'biggest tour yet'
- Today’s Climate: May 5, 2010
- 5 Years After Sandy: Vulnerable Red Hook Is Booming, Right at the Water’s Edge
- 10 Senators Call for Investigation into EPA Pushing Scientists Off Advisory Boards
- Vogue Model Dynus Saxon Charged With Murder After Stabbing Attack
- Protecting Norfolk from Flooding Won’t Be Cheap: Army Corps Releases Its Plan
Ranking
- Philadelphia mass transit users face fare hikes of more than 20% and possible service cuts
- Patrick Mahomes' Brother Jackson Mahomes Arrested for Alleged Aggravated Sexual Battery
- Score $131 Worth of Philosophy Perfume and Skincare Products for Just $62
- How Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Celebrated Their 27th Anniversary
- Why Suits' Gabriel Macht Needed Time Away From Harvey Specter After Finale
- N. Richard Werthamer
- Reporting on Devastation: A Puerto Rican Journalist Details Life After Maria
- New Hampshire Utility’s Move to Control Green Energy Dollars is Rebuffed
Recommendation
-
NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison dies at 86
-
Taro Takahashi
-
The new U.S. monkeypox vaccine strategy offers more doses — and uncertainty
-
Rachel Bilson Reveals Her Favorite—and Least Favorite—Sex Positions
-
Taylor Swift Politely Corrects Security’s Etiquette at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game
-
Jon Bon Jovi Reacts to Criticism Over Son Jake's Engagement to Millie Bobby Brown
-
Star Wars Day 2023: Shop Merch and Deals From Stoney Clover Lane, Fanatics, Amazon, and More
-
Score $131 Worth of Philosophy Perfume and Skincare Products for Just $62