Rickey Smiley Believes His Son Died From An Overdose: You Don’t Have To Be In The Hood To Succumb To Drug Abuse

Rickey Smiley Believes His Son Died From An Overdose: You Don’t Have To Be In The Hood To Succumb To Drug Abuse

Rickey Smiley is trying to stay strong as he continues to mourn the loss of his son, Brandon.

In a recent interview with Craig Melvin on Thursday (Mar. 2), the stand-up comedian spoke out for the first time about what possibly took his son’s life and how he’s been holding up since the tragedy.

Reflecting on the moments that led to him finding out the devastating news, Rickey Smiley, born Broderick Dornell Smiley, said: 

“I was in Dallas at my apartment getting ready to watch the playoffs. His girlfriend calls, she said ‘text Brandon at this number’ or call him. So I called, nobody answered, I call her back I say ‘is everything okay?’ she was crying. She said that he had OD.”

Rickey Smiley then shared that he immediately made arrangements to be on the next flight to see Brandon. However, as he rushed to the airport, he received another call from Brandon’s younger sister Taylor who informed him that his son had died. The media personality continued:

“He was struggling with that [drugs]. His mother and I made several attempts 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, had just got baptized again probably a month before he passed away. He used and it killed him.

Ricky Smiley and Brandon cooking

Ricky Smiley and his family believe that Brandon’s death is connected to an overdose.

“We haven’t got a toxicology report yet so this is just what we’re speculating according to his girlfriend who found him unresponsive.”

The Alabama native continued, stating that anyone can be addicted to drugs, no matter their upbringing:

“Some of them are uncomfortable and we just assume if you’re in a good school district or you’re in a gated community or if everything is going good that these kids are not doing drugs. You don’t have to be in the hood to succumb to drug abuse.”

Rickey Smiley & Brandon

According to Smiley, he and the mother of his son have been sober for their entire lives which makes Brandon’s drug addiction confusing to their family. However, the 54-year-old said things became bad for his son as he approached his senior year of high school. He added:

“I’m doing good. God kinda gave me a sense that I’m shocked by not surprised. I understand what’s out there. I understand what’s going on. God kinda showed me some things. Deep inside kinda prepared for it at the same time you could never be prepared ‘cause that’s your child.”

As previously reported, on Jan. 29 the comedian shared that Brandon has passed away at the age of 32. In a video he explained:

“I just have bad news this morning….I just want everyone to pray for me, pray for my family. My son Brandon Smiley has passed away this morning….I’m okay. Pray for my sons mother. And my sons siblings…I hate to announce this, I just want to give it to you before you hear it in the streets.”

[click here to watch]

Brandon would have celebrated his 33rd birthday last month. He was reportedly working towards following in his father’s path in the entertainment industry. According to Smiley, his son was a funny kid who was always a leader and a prankster. He is survived by both his parents, siblings, and daughter Storm.

We continued to send our thoughts and prayers toward Ricky Smiley and his family during this difficult time.