'Terrible nightmare': Comedian Rickey Smiley reveals son's death at 32 in heartbreaking video
Comedian Rickey Smiley has sadly announced the death of his oldest son, Brandon Smiley.
The elder Smiley shared the sad news about his 32-year-old son in a video on his Instagram
"My son, Brandon Smiley, has passed away this morning. I'm about to get on a flight to Birmingham," Smiley said.
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Comedian Rickey Smiley announced his son's death in an Instagram video. Instagram
Rickey Smiley hosting the BET Super Bowl Gospel Celebration event in 2020 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images for BET
The popular radio show host didn't share the cause of death or any other details. But he did ask his followers to pray for his family during this difficult time.
"Pray. Be strong," he said. "Pray for my son's mother and my son's siblings."
Smiley also requested prayers for his son's daughter, Storm.
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"Losing your child is a terrible nightmare. Yesterday was the shock of losing my son #BrandonSmiley, but today reality is setting in. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, kind words, text messages and calls. I really appreciate it," he said in a follow-up video.
Brandon Riley died over the weekend, aged 32. Instagram
Rapper Da Brat joins Brandon Smiley (centre) and comedian Rickey Smiley for the Season 2 launnch of Rickey Smiley For Real in 2016. Getty Images for TV One
The news comes two years after his daughter, Aaryn, was shot in a road rage incident in Texas while waiting at a red light on her way to the local fast-food joint, Whataburger. Thankfully, she survived the random act of gun violence.
"Today could have been different," Smiley said on his YouTube channel after the shooting. "I'm lucky [my daughter] is still living."
Comedian Rickey Smiley with his family. Instagram
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has since expressed his condolences to the Smiley family on Twitter over the death of his son.
"I'm devastated to hear that my friend @RickeySmiley has lost his son Brandon," the tweet read.
"Rickey has given so much to our city; this is the time when we need to give back to him. Join me in wrapping our arms around him & his family during this difficult time. We're praying for you, Rickey."
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The Rickey Smiley Morning Show is a syndicated radio program hosted by the stand-up comedian and actor. Smiley is also co-host of the televised Dish Nation show.
Viewers got to know his family on the TV One reality series, Rickey Smiley For Real, which focused on him juggling his life as a performer and father.
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