Mariah Smith was a bright and cheerful 12-year-old girl who loved to dance, sing, and play with her friends. She was the daughter of Todneisha Filer and Rodney Smith and the beloved granddaughter of Deadra Filer. She was born on June 11, 2011, in Lake City, Florida, where she attended Richardson Middle School.
On August 24, 2023, Mariah’s life was tragically taken away by a stray bullet that hit her while she was walking home from school. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Her death shocked and saddened her family, friends, and community, who remembered her as a sweet, smart, and talented girl who had a bright future ahead of her.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, Mariah was one of 15 children under the age of 18 who were killed by gun violence in Florida in 2023. She was also one of 1,032 children under the age of 18 who were killed by gun violence in the United States in 2023. These numbers do not include the thousands more who were injured or traumatized by gun violence.
A Loving Family
Mariah Smith was the youngest of four siblings: Rodney Jr., Taniyah, and Ty’Niyah. She was very close to her family, especially her mother, who described her as “my baby girl, my best friend, my everything.” Mariah also had a special bond with her grandmother, who raised her since she was a baby. Deadra Filer said that Mariah was “the light of my life, my angel, my princess.”
Mariah’s father, Rodney Smith, said that he was proud of his daughter and her achievements. He said that she was a good student who loved to read and write. He also said that she had a passion for music and dancing and that she wanted to be a singer or a dancer when she grew up.
| Name | Mariah Reginae Smith |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | June 11, 2011 |
| Date of death | August 24, 2023 |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
| Parents | Todneisha Filer and Rodney Smith |
| Siblings | Rodney Jr., Taniyah and Ty’Niyah |
| Grandmother | Deadra Filer |
| Grandfather | Todd Filer |
| Homepage | factynews.com |
A Senseless Loss
Her death was the result of a senseless act of violence that occurred in her neighborhood. According to the police, two men were involved in a shootout near Mariah’s home, and one of the bullets hit Mariah Smith as she was walking with her friends. The police arrested one of the suspects, but the other one remains at large.
Smith’s family and friends are demanding justice for her death, and are calling for an end to gun violence in their community. They held a candlelight vigil for Mariah on August 28, 2023, where they released balloons and sang songs in her honor. They also created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and to support Mariah’s siblings.
A Promising Future
According to factynews.com, she was a seventh-grader at Lake City Middle School, where she excelled academically and socially. She was an honor roll student who loved to read and learn new things. She was also involved in many extracurricular activities, such as the dance team, the chorus, the drama club, and the basketball team. She had many friends who admired her for her kindness, generosity, and humor.
Mariah Smith had big dreams for her future. She wanted to go to college and become a lawyer or a doctor. She wanted to travel the world and see different cultures. She wanted to help people in need and make a difference in the world. She wanted to have a family of her own someday and give them the best life possible.
Mariah’s teachers and mentors said that she had a bright future ahead of her and that she had the potential to achieve anything she set her mind to. They said that she was a leader who motivated others to do their best. They said that she was a star who shone brightly in everything she did.
A Lasting Legacy
Mariah’s death has left a void in the hearts of many people who knew and loved her. Her family and friends are trying to cope with their grief and to honor her memory. They said that they will always remember Mariah’s smile, laughter and kindness.
Mariah Smith’s school also paid tribute to her by holding a memorial service on September 7, 2023. The principal, teachers and students shared their memories of Mariah and expressed their condolences to her family. They also presented Mariah’s family with a plaque that read: “In loving memory of Mariah Reginae Smith. Forever 12.”
Her family said that they hope that Mariah’s death will inspire others to live peacefully and to cherish every moment with their loved ones. They said that they will never forget Mariah and that they will always love her.
FAQs
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Who is Mariah Reginae Smith?
Mariah Reginae Smith was a 12-year-old girl who lived in Lake City, Florida. She was the daughter of Todneisha Filer and Rodney Smith, and the granddaughter of Deadra Filer.
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How did Mariah Reginae Smith die?
Mariah Reginae Smith died on August 24, 2023, after being hit by a stray bullet while walking home from school.
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Who killed Mariah Reginae Smith?
Mariah Reginae Smith was killed by one of two men who were involved in a shootout near her home. The police arrested one of the suspects, but the other one is still at large.
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What were Mariah Reginae Smith’s dreams and aspirations for the future?
Mariah Reginae Smith wanted to go to college and become a lawyer or a doctor. She wanted to travel the world and see different cultures. She wanted to help people in need and make a difference in the world. She wanted to have a family of her own someday.
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What school did Mariah Reginae Smith attend and what activities was she involved in?
Mariah Reginae Smith attended Lake City Middle School, where she was an honor roll student and a member of the dance team, the chorus, the drama club, and the basketball team.
