The search for Thaddeus Smiley, 31, swept away in a rescue attempt to save a child from the waters of the Wolf River, is set to continue this morning, after crews halted efforts at sunset yesterday. Smiley entered the river with another adult when a child among a group of 11 friends and family members began to struggle in the water. Smiley was last seen wearing blue shorts and has not been seen since his disappearance.
According to a statement obtained by Action News 5, Deputy Chief Anthony Buckner with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office described the conditions as dangerous, with the river gauge monitor reporting a height of 6.85 feet, and currents moving at roughly six miles per hour. Efforts to locate Smiley have involved more than 100 volunteers and first responders, backed by six boats, five sonar teams, three aerial drones, and a dive team.
With involvement from multiple agencies, including the Memphis and Germantown fire departments, the search spanned a mile-long stretch of the river near the boat take-out point on Walnut Grove Road. Officials emphasize the importance of water safety, urging parents to make decisions regarding swimming lessons for children and to consider the use of life jackets when visiting such areas, as WREG reported.
"Our hearts and our prayers certainly go out to Mr. Smiley, his family, and his friends," Buckner said in a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has stated that incidents along the Wolf River are an almost yearly occurrence and stressed the urgency for swim lessons and water safety education. The search, deemed a search and rescue operation, is to expectedly resume at first light.
Wednesday's operation comes amidst a public acknowledgement of the risks associated with the Wolf River's "secret beaches," as Shelby County officials note their increasing popularity as summertime destinations, according to FOX13 Memphis. The Sheriff’s Office has warned that swimmers, even those experienced, can find themselves in distress due to unseen underwater debris or sudden changes in current. Updates on the search for Thaddeus Smiley will be released as available.
