Grieving teammates of devout Christian semi-pro
football player Deante Smith, 25, who was shot
dead by his estranged pastor who allegedly had
an affair with his wife and got her pregnant, are
now asking the public for help to bury their
friend.
"We are asking for donations to not only help his
family give him a peaceful and beautiful resting
service but to also make sure his TRUE legacy
and how much of a great and faithful person our
brother was never goes forgotten," members of
The Michigan Lightning team noted in the
description of a gofundme campaign launched
Wednesday. "Thank you all. And as Tae would
always scream before a play
'Jeeeeessssssuuuussssss!!!!'"
The campaign, which is seeking to raise $15,000,
had raised only $825 as of Thursday evening.
During an interview with The Christian Post this
week, Darcel Ward, Smith's aunt, said she was
unsure when her nephew would be buried
because his money was "all tied up" due to an
ongoing investigation into his death.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office told CP
Thursday that they were reviewing a warrant
request filed by the Detroit Police Department to
determine what charges would be filed in the
case if any.
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that we, as
The Michigan Lightning family, announce the
passing of one of our own, Deante Smith. A
brother and teammate to so many of us, he left
us way to soon," said the footballer's
teammates. "His infectious smile and the
courage in which he approached life, on and off
the field, are attributes that will stick with all of
us."
The team also praised Smith for "his ability to
reach someone who was going through a rough
time."
"'I got you,' was echoed by him on many
occasions, and to Tae, they weren't just words,
he wasn't going to let you fall. He mentored
many and his legacy will live on with them. It's
not fair, life rarely is, and no one knew that
better than Tae. And he'd be the first one to tell
you to get up, smile and do something positive
today. Deante, we miss you, we Love you and we
will carry your spirit with us," the team noted.