Authorities have identified the man found dead earlier this month at the corner of 5th Street and Taylor Street in downtown Augusta.
According to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, Mario Le’Derrick Smith, 46, of Augusta, was pronounced dead at the scene on Sept. 7 at 4:50 p.m. An autopsy was scheduled due to the condition of his body and a possible head injury, officials said.
Smith, known by many in the community, was remembered not just for how he died, but how he lived.
A GoFundMe page set up in his memory describes him as a familiar and welcoming presence in downtown Augusta. “Mario Le’Derrick Smith was a staple of the downtown Augusta landscape,” the page reads. “He was helpful and kind and always had a smile and wave for friends.”
His sudden death has left family and friends grieving and facing unexpected funeral expenses. The fundraiser aims to help relieve that financial burden and honor his life.
A candlelight vigil and balloon release will be held in his memory on Friday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. at May Park.
His funeral service is scheduled for the following day, Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. at Charlie Reed Memorial Funeral Home, located at 314 Laney Walker Blvd in Augusta. The family invites the public to attend and has requested that those who do wear red and black attire in his honor.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of Smith’s death, and the investigation is ongoing.
