Honor Our Teammate Deante Smith

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. 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. He was a Founding Father of our organization, a Captain of the Team, an All Star in our League and a Champion. Never worried about the opponent, he always asked and received the assignment to cover the other teams best receiver. Never was his tenacity and skill more apparant as the display he had in the 2014 playoff run, in which his play caught the eye of a CFL Scout. More important than all his on the field achievements, was 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.


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. Thank you all.  And as Tae would always scream before a play "Jeeeeessssssuuuussssss!!!!





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