Communities in Mourning After Separate Tragedies Claim Young Lives in Tennessee and Louisiana
Tullahoma, TN & New Orleans, LA — Two communities hundreds of miles apart are united in grief following the recent and unrelated tragic deaths of young individuals whose lives were cut far too short.
In Tullahoma, Tennessee, the family and friends of Shamar T. Smith, 25, are mourning his untimely passing on Friday, February 25, 2022. A vibrant and beloved member of the Tullahoma community, Shamar was remembered for his uplifting spirit, infectious energy, and the meaningful connections he built with those around him.
Funeral services for Shamar were held on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home, with burial following at Concord Cemetery. Loved ones gathered to pay tribute to a life marked by kindness, positivity, and a deep commitment to the people he loved. His passing has left an emotional void in the hearts of many, and the outpouring of support from the community reflects the deep impact he made during his life.
In a separate and unrelated tragedy, the New Orleans area is grappling with the loss of two young students whose futures were stolen in a heartbreaking car crash. Giselle Smith and Semaj Morris, both 17 years old and students at West Jefferson High School, were killed in a violent collision on December 11, 2024.
The incident occurred when the vehicle they were traveling in—a Toyota Camry—was struck by another car driven by Joneaka Smooth, who was allegedly fleeing the scene of a shoplifting incident. According to authorities, Smooth was driving recklessly when she crashed into the students’ car. Also in the Camry was Paris Kiper, Giselle’s 21-year-old sister, who survived but sustained critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Following the crash, Smooth reportedly fled the scene on foot but later surrendered to law enforcement. She now faces a range of serious charges, including manslaughter and hit-and-run resulting in death. Authorities have called the incident “entirely preventable” and a stark reminder of the dangers of fleeing law enforcement and reckless driving.
The deaths of these three young individuals—and the serious injury to a fourth—have reverberated through their respective communities. West Jefferson High School has offered grief counseling to students and faculty, while community vigils have been held in both New Orleans and Tullahoma in honor of the lives lost.
“These tragedies remind us of the fragility of life,” said one local official. “We mourn not just for the lives taken, but for the futures that will never be lived out.”
As families struggle to process these devastating losses, both communities have rallied in support. Messages of condolence, floral tributes, and social media memorials continue to pour in, offering comfort during these dark and painful days.
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of Shamar T. Smith, Giselle Smith, Semaj Morris, and Paris Kiper as they navigate unimaginable grief and work toward healing.