Brandon Smiley, Son Of Rickey Smiley, Dies At 32

ATLANTA, GA — Brandon Smiley, the son of famed comedian and actor Rickey Smiley, died Sunday morning. He was 32.

The comedian made the announcement on social media Sunday, which was followed by a series of tributes Monday.

The cause of death is unknown.

Brandon was featured on Smiley’s Atlanta-based reality show, “Rickey Smiley For Real,” which chronicled the work and family balance of the comedian. The show also featured Smiley’s three other children and his “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” co-hosts. The nationally-syndicated radio show is headquartered in Atlanta.

Smiley is a Birmingham, Alabama native.

“I lost my oldest son #BrandonSmiley this morning,” Smiley said in a Facebook post Sunday. “I’m okay, but please pray for my son’s mother, Brenda, his siblings and his daughter, Storm.”

In a nearly three-and-a-half-minute Facebook Live, Smiley shared the news.

“I hate to announce this, but I want to give it to you before you hear it in the streets,” Smiley said. ” … Life comes with a whole bunch of twists and turns.”

His announcement was followed up by a 2020 stand-up set Brandon performed at the StarDome Comedy Club in Hoover, Alabama and a photo of Smiley with Brandon’s daughter, Storm.

Smiley shared Monday a video of him and Brandon together with the caption, “‘When you a daddy, you a daddy for life.’ #BrandonSmiley #DaddysBoy #DaddyForLife“

His latest Facebook Live came around 10 a.m., when an emotional Smiley shared words of gratitude to people who have offered support.

“Losing your child is a terrible nightmare,” Smiley said in the post. “Yesterday was the shock of losing my son, Brandon, but today reality is setting in. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, kind words, text messages and calls. I really appreciate it.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin took to Twitter to share his condolences.

“I’m devastated to hear that my friend @RickeySmiley has lost his son, Brandon. 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 and his family during this difficult time. We’re praying for you, Rickey,” Woodfin said in the tweet.