Laurel Honors DieShawn Smack Legacy

If someones legacy in life, is measured by how they positively affected those around them, than DieShawn Smack’s legacy will be remembered for years to come. Laurel recognized the life of a man that dedicated his time, energy and heart to a community he loved on Monday afternoon.

Sunday night, Smack was playing in a +35 basketball men’s league. During his second game of the night, he unexpectedly fell to the floor, where he began to have trouble breathing. ESBL officials on hand, took control of the situation and did what they could to keep him conscious until emergency care arrived. He would be taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that night. He was just 37 years old.

Monday afternoon, several of his former players wanted to honor him by signing a pair of his old shoes, on the court that he had helped teach them the game he loved. Nearly 100 family and friends showed up to the event, took part in a moment of silence, and did what they could to honor his memory. Smack’s effect can be seen everywhere in his community. As a grade school basketball coach, he helped mentor and coach the youth in the community for the past several years.

Smack is survived by his 9 year old daughter. The funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized.