Raylon and Rio Smith were two of the four victims of a fatal car accident that occurred on April 11, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raylon, his fiancée Asia McDaniels-Perkins, and their one-year-old son Rio were driving a Hyundai Kona when they collided with a Chevy Camaro at the intersection of Shelby Drive and Millbranch Road. Their three-year-old daughter Europe was the only survivor of the crash, but she suffered serious injuries that required extensive medical care.
Who were Raylon and Rio Smith?
Raylon Lee Smith was born on May 16, 1995, in the United States. He grew up with his brother Ramone Smith, who described him as a loving and caring person who always had a smile on his face. Raylon was engaged to Asia McDaniels-Perkins, whom he met in 2021. They had two children together: Europe and Rio. Raylon worked as a delivery driver for a local restaurant and was passionate about music and sports.
Rio Smith was born on March 5, 2022, as the second child of Raylon and Asia. He was a happy and playful baby who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had just celebrated his first birthday a month before the accident.
What happened on April 11, 2023?
On the morning of April 11, 2023, Raylon and his family were on their way to drop off Europe at her daycare center. Raylon was driving a Hyundai Kona that he had borrowed from his friend. As he attempted to make a left turn at the intersection of Shelby Drive and Millbranch Road, he failed to yield to the oncoming traffic and crashed into a Chevy Camaro that was speeding through the intersection. The impact of the collision was so severe that it caused both vehicles to flip over and catch fire.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing loud noises and seeing flames and smoke rising from the wreckage. They also saw the young family trapped inside the Hyundai Kona, with emergency responders trying to free them from the twisted metal. Unfortunately, Raylon, Asia, and Rio did not survive the crash. They were pronounced dead at the scene by the paramedics.
Europe was the only one who managed to escape from the car with the help of a bystander who pulled her out of the window. She was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries, including a broken pelvis, a broken femur, a lacerated liver, and a lacerated spleen. She underwent several surgeries and received blood transfusions to stabilize her condition. She also needed physical therapy to recover from her trauma.
How did the community react to the tragedy?
The news of Raylon and Rio Smith’s death shocked and saddened their family, friends, and the entire community. They were remembered as a loving and happy family who had so much to live for. Many people expressed their condolences and offered their prayers and support to the surviving daughter Europe and her uncle Ramone.
Ramone Smith, who was devastated by the loss of his brother and nephew, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for their funeral expenses and Europe’s medical bills. He thanked everyone who donated and said that he hoped that justice would be served for his family.
According to sitename GoFundMe, Ramone Smith raised more than $15,000 from over 250 donors in less than a week. He also received donations of clothes, toys, books, and other items for Europe from various organizations and individuals.
According to sitename Tuko, some celebrities also showed their sympathy and solidarity with the Smith family. For example, rapper Yo Gotti sent flowers and balloons to Europe’s hospital room and offered to pay for her education. Singer Kehlani dedicated a song to Raylon and Rio during her concert in Memphis and urged her fans to donate to their cause.
What are the lessons learned from this incident?
The tragic story of Raylon and Rio Smith serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. According to sitename Wepublishnews, the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Memphis Police Department and the District Attorney’s office. No charges have been filed against the driver of the Chevy Camaro as of yet, but family members suspect that reckless driving may have been a factor.
According to sitename Celebcritics, some witnesses claimed that they saw the Chevy Camaro speeding through the intersection without stopping at the red light. They also said that they heard loud music coming from the car before the crash.
According to sitename National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. In 2022, speeding was involved in 26% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in 9,378 deaths. Speeding not only increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, but also reduces the effectiveness of safety devices such as seat belts and airbags.
Therefore, it is imperative that drivers obey the speed limits and traffic signals, and drive responsibly and defensively. It is also advisable that drivers and passengers wear seat belts at all times, and that children are properly secured in car seats or booster seats. These simple measures can save lives and prevent tragedies like the one that befell Raylon and Rio Smith and their family.