MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A somber mood has settled over the Memphis area as multiple emergency response teams continue the intensive search for 31-year-old Thaddeus Smiley, who vanished in the Wolf River Friday afternoon while attempting to rescue a struggling child.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred just before 2 p.m. on Friday, May 30, when a group of 11 people gathered on a sandbar in the middle of the river. During the outing, a child began to struggle in the water. Smiley and another man quickly sprang into action, diving into the river to help. While the child and one of the rescuers safely made it back to shore, Thaddeus Smiley was swept away by the current and never resurfaced.
Since then, a massive multi-agency search operation has been underway, with rescue crews working tirelessly throughout Friday, Saturday, and into Sunday morning. At 8 a.m. Sunday, search efforts continued along a six-mile stretch of the river, from Walnut Grove Road to the old Austin Peay overpass.
“More than 100 first responders and volunteers are involved in the search operations,” said Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
The response has included units from:
- Shelby County Sheriff’s Office: Volunteer Services Bureau, Uniform Patrol, Drone Team, Search and Rescue, Emergency Services
- Millington and Memphis Fire Departments: Search and Rescue teams
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA): With three sonar-equipped boats scanning the riverbed
In total, six boat teams, three drone teams, and numerous patrol units have been deployed. Divers and sonar operators are working under treacherous conditions, as the Wolf River’s current is moving at approximately six miles per hour, making the search both dangerous and complex.
“The current is strong and unpredictable,” Buckner added. “These are extremely difficult conditions for search operations.”
As the search continues, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner and Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley were both present on the scene over the weekend. Councilman Smiley confirmed that Thaddeus Smiley is his nephew.
“Our hearts and our prayers certainly go out to Mr. Smiley, his family, and his friends,” Buckner said in a public statement.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the hidden dangers of the Wolf River. In recent years, so-called “secret beaches”—sandbars and clearings along the river—have become popular with locals, particularly in the summer. However, officials warn that appearances can be dangerously deceiving.
“It can be impossible to see debris or how quickly the current can pull someone under,” Buckner said. “This tragedy underscores the critical importance of water safety and swim education.”
As rescue teams remain steadfast in their mission, the community has rallied behind the Smiley family, praying for a resolution and remembering the selflessness of a man who risked everything to save a child.
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