\u201cHis girlfriend called\u2026She was crying, and she said\u2014in her words\u2014that he had OD\u2019d.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Upon listening to this information, Rickey instantly ready to hop on a flight from Dallas to Birmingham, although he obtained information of Brandon\u2019s loss of life whereas heading to the airport.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI got a phone call on why way out the door from Brandon\u2019s younger sister who lives in Atlanta. [She said] that he had passed. She was crying.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Co-host Craig Melvin then proceeded to ask if Brandon had \u201ca history of drug abuse,\u201d and Rickey confirmed that his son had been \u201cstruggling\u201d with habit.<\/p>\n
He additionally famous that he and Brandon\u2019s mom \u201cmade several attempts\u201d to attempt to get him to a rehab heart. Additionally, Rickey famous that the household \u201cthought [Brandon] was doing much better,\u201d as he had \u201cjust joined the church.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe thought that he was doing better. He had just joined the church. He had just got Baptized probably a month before he passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Rickey then stated, \u201cHe used, and it killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However, he\u2019s certain to notice that the official reason for loss of life is pending, and the household hasn\u2019t obtained a toxicology report but.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is just what we\u2019re speculating according to his girlfriend, who found him unresponsive.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nHe Shares A Message To Parents: \u2018We Have To Have A Conversation\u2019<\/h3>\n
After opening up about Brandon\u2019s passing, Rickey proceeded to share a message to \u201cother parents who have have a child who\u2019s dealing with addiction issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smiley identified that, as he believes mother and father \u201care having the conversation\u201d about medicine with their youngsters, the true battle is \u201cgetting the kids to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe have to have a conversation. I think the parents are having the conversation. The problem is getting the kids to listen to what the parents are saying. The parents are having these conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
He additionally divulged that the household \u201chad been talking to [Brandon] for years\u201d about his habit earlier than noting that, whatever the kids\u2019s upbringing, drug habit is a really actual potential danger.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe just assume that if you\u2019re in a good school district or a gated community and that these kids are not doing drugs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Rickey strengthened this assertion by including, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to be in the hood to succumb to drug abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finally, he wrapped up the interview by reflecting on his late son, noting that he was \u201ca great kid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nWe proceed to ship our prayers and condolences to Ricky Smiley and the remainder of his household.<\/p>\n
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