On May 10 2020, a young man was found unresponsive in his Santa Cruz County jail cell. Although correctional officers attempted to perform ‘life-saving measures’, Paramedics were called to the scene and pronounced his death at around 6 P.M. that evening.

At just 21 years old, Tamario Smith is commemorated by his family and community who all know that this young man had the potential to fulfill a successful and bright future. He moved to Santa Cruz in the early 2000’s with his family, where many of us got to know him through his attendance of Live Oak Elementary and Shoreline Middle School. Eventually, the community witnessed him graduate from Louden Nelson High School and grow as a profound member of the World of Life Church. Tamario leaves behind his parents, grandmother, six brothers, and six sisters all of whom loved him deeply and were rooting for the success of his future.