Thaddeus Smiley died while attempting to save a drowning child in the Wolf River. His close ones describe him as brave and selfless — a hero.
After 31-year-old Smiley didn’t show up again after going into the water on Friday to help save the child, the search for him started right away and lasted all weekend. Over 100 people participated in the effort with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team members.
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Members of the Memphis, Germantown, Shelby County, and Millington Fire Departments, as well as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, took part in the mission. Specialized SCSO units, such as the Volunteer Services Bureau, Uniform Patrol, Drone Team, and Emergency Services, also helped.
According to Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Anthony Buckner, 11 friends and family members had gathered at a sandbar near the boat takeout location on Walnut Grove Road when they saw a child struggling in the river. Two adult brothers including Smiley hurried into the water to assist. Only one of the men was able to return the child to safety.
“Our hearts and our prayers certainly go out to Mr. Smiley, and his family, and his friends,” Buckner said, according to Action News5.
Smiley was eventually found by the crew using a mannequin-like training aid that was made to mimic human activity in the water. The endeavor ended tragically on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. when Smiley’s body was found about 0.5 miles downstream on the Wolf River from the point at where he had plunged into the water.
Later on Sunday, Chief Deputy Buckner gave an update to the press, thanking all of the agencies and individuals who helped with the recovery.
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During the press conference, Thaddeus’s uncle, Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley, also spoke. He was clearly impacted as he discussed the family’s loss and the community’s support.
“When we got the call, we abruptly came here as a family. We receive all the prayers from the Memphis community. We wanted my nephew to come back to us safely more than anything in the world, but we’re deeply grateful that folks continued to show up every day,” JB Smiley said.
Even though the result did not meet the family’s expectations, Councilman Smiley took comfort in the fact that they at least had closure. “We didn’t get the result that we wanted, but we got something that was deeply important to every single person that uses the Smiley name,” he said.
He went on to say, “We know exactly where Thaddeus is; he’s no longer in the river.”
The tragic loss of Smiley has left a lasting impact on the Memphis community. His bravery and character are demonstrated by his last act, risking and ultimately losing his life to save a kid. His name now carries not just sorrow, but immense pride and respect.
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