DETROIT – Family and friends gathered in Detroit to celebrate the life of Wynter Cole Smith with a balloon release on the one-year anniversary of her tragic death.
Her memory pulled the community together uniquely on Friday (July 5).
It was an emotional balloon release for Smith on the anniversary of her death.
The toddler’s death affected not only her loved ones but the community who gathered for her memorial as well.
“My little Angel, always will be; love you, Wynter,” said her grandfather, Almount Smith. “We all loved Wynter. Even the ones who never got the chance to meet her, I can tell that she reached y’all hearts.”
One year after the tragic death of Wynter, her family is keeping her memory alive.
Her grandfather misses her every single day, especially on this one that’s bright and sunny.
“Sometimes I do feel her presence,” Smith said. “Earlier, my main thing was the weather and how I kept hearing it was going to storm. But I kept asking her to talk to the Lord and see can we get a couple hours,” Smith said.
The area where Wynter’s body was found has since been transformed into a beautiful place with balloons, purple paint, and her name displayed on the gate entering the alleyway at Erwin Avenue and Edgewood Street.
Smith is responsible for the whole thing.
“The block over there is not just neighbors,” Smith said. “They’re family. It’s a village over there, and they with the support, they were part of the support they gave me. They’re still taking it hard, too.”
Wynter’s family waits for justice to be served, but the wounds, unfortunately, will never heal.
“To me, there still is no closure,” Smith said. “As well with saying that, I feel justice hasn’t been served.”
Trice is due back in court for sentencing on Aug. 16.