Wolf River Tragedy: Missing Hero Identified as Thaddeus Smiley, Who Tried to Save Child

Memphis, TN – June 2, 2025 — A tragic and heartbreaking chapter has come to a close for the family of Thaddeus Smiley, the man who went missing after bravely attempting to rescue a struggling child from the swift currents of the Wolf River last week. After days of desperate searching and community vigils, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a body recovered from the river on Sunday has been positively identified by the family as that of 34-year-old Thaddeus Smiley.

The discovery was made near a bend in the Wolf River, approximately three miles downstream from where Smiley was last seen. According to authorities, he disappeared on Wednesday evening, May 28, after he jumped into the water near the Raleigh-LaGrange area to save a child who had slipped and fallen into the river. Eyewitnesses say Smiley acted without hesitation, diving into the river’s unpredictable currents in a selfless act of bravery. The child was ultimately pulled to safety by another adult, but Smiley never resurfaced.

For nearly five days, rescue crews and volunteers scoured the riverbanks and waters, holding on to hope as boats, helicopters, and dive teams conducted an exhaustive search. Prayer circles formed daily at the scene as members of the community joined Smiley’s family in holding vigils, lighting candles, and praying for a miracle. On Sunday morning, around 10:45 a.m., a boater spotted a body floating near a wooded area of the river and alerted authorities.

While the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the formal identification, Smiley’s family was informed based on clothing and physical characteristics. Late Sunday evening, the family publicly confirmed what they had feared — the body was that of Thaddeus Smiley.

“We are devastated but grateful to finally have some closure,” said his mother, Angela Smiley, surrounded by friends and loved ones at a press conference held outside their North Memphis home. “Thaddeus was the kind of man who would do anything for anyone. He died exactly how he lived — thinking of others before himself. We are so proud of him, even in our deepest grief.”

Smiley was a beloved father of two, a youth mentor, and a longtime employee of a local logistics company. Friends described him as a gentle soul with a loud laugh, someone who always went out of his way to help others and believed in uplifting young people. He frequently volunteered with local youth organizations and was known for leading summer programs that taught children about water safety and outdoor survival skills — a tragic irony that makes his death even more poignant for those who knew him.

The child he tried to rescue — an 8-year-old boy whose name has not been released — was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. His family has expressed their gratitude for Smiley’s actions and pledged to honor his memory. “We will never forget what Mr. Smiley did for our son,” said the boy’s father in a statement. “He is forever our hero.”

Local officials have praised Smiley’s actions, with Memphis Mayor Paul Young releasing a statement calling him “a true example of courage and compassion in the face of danger.” Discussions are already underway to name a section of the Wolf River Greenway in Smiley’s honor, and a GoFundMe has been launched to assist his family with funeral costs and to support his two young daughters, ages 6 and 11.

The Wolf River has long been known for its deceptive currents and hidden drop-offs, and this tragedy has reignited conversations about safety awareness in and around the river, particularly as the summer recreation season approaches. Shelby County officials are encouraging visitors to exercise extreme caution, heed posted warnings, and wear life jackets when near open water.

As the Smiley family prepares for funeral arrangements, the community is rallying to honor the legacy of a man who gave everything in an attempt to save a life. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Wolf River site where Smiley was last seen, with friends, neighbors, and community leaders expected to attend.

“Thaddeus didn’t wear a cape,” said his cousin, Marcus Lattimore. “But he was a superhero to us. He died saving a child, and there’s no greater act of love than that. We will never forget him.”