Teammates Seek Help to Bury Christian Football Player Shot Dead by Pastor Inside Church
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.
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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.
