Family honors Wynter Cole Smith’s memory on the anniversary of his death with ballooning

DETROIT – Family and friends gathered in Detroit to honor the life of Wynter Cole Smith with a balloon release on the one anniversary of her tragic death.

Her memory brought the community together in a unique way on Friday (July 5).

For Smith, it was an emotional balloon launch on the anniversary of her death.

The toddler’s death touched not only her relatives but also the community that had gathered for her memorial service.

“My little angel, I will always be that way; I love you, Wynter,” said her grandfather Almount Smith. “We all loved Wynter. Even to those who never had the chance to meet her, I can tell you that she has touched your hearts.”

A year after Wynter’s tragic death, her family keeps her memory alive.

Her grandfather misses her every single day, especially on this bright and sunny day.

“Sometimes I feel her presence,” Smith said. “I used to be concerned about the weather and kept hearing that it was going to be stormy. But I kept asking her to talk to the Lord and see if we could get a few hours,” Smith said.

The area where Wynter’s body was found has since been transformed into a beautiful space with balloons and purple paint, and her name is written on the gate to the alley at Erwin Avenue and Edgewood Street.

Smith is responsible for the whole thing.

“That block over there is not just neighbors,” Smith said. “They’re family. It’s a village over there, and they’ve been supportive of me. They’re still going through a tough time, too.”

While Wynter’s accused killer, Rashad Trice, awaits trial, he just pleaded guilty to the death of the two-year-old.

Wynter’s family is waiting for justice to be done, but unfortunately the wounds will never heal.

“For me, the case is still not closed,” Smith said. “I also feel that justice has not been done.”

Trice is due back in court on August 16 for sentencing.