Birmingham, Ala. (NewsCoke) – Comedian and Birmingham native Ricky Smiley announced Sunday via Instagram that his son Brandon Smiley has passed away.
“I have bad news this morning,” Smiley said in a video on the social media platform. “I want everyone to pray for me, pray for my family. My son Brandon Smiley passed away this morning. I hate to announce this. I want to give it to you before you hear it on the street.”
Smiley asked for prayers for Brandon’s mother and siblings as he prepares to board a plane to Birmingham.
I’m devastated to hear that our great friend Rickey Smiley 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.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his condolences in a post on social media, saying he was devastated to hear of Brandon’s death.
“Ricky has given so much to our city; This is the time when we need to give it back,” Woodfin said. “Join me in wrapping our arms around him and his family during this difficult time. We pray for you, Ricky.”
- Brandon was 32 years old.
