In Loving Memory of Dereon James Robins and Mikhail-Lee Smith: Gone Too Soon, Forever Remembered

In loving memory of two bright young souls whose lives were taken far too soon, we pause to honor and remember Dereon James Robins, 12, and Mikhail-Lee Smith, 9, from Spartanburg County, South Carolina—a community now united in grief, love, and remembrance.

Dereon and Mikhail-Lee were more than just names in a tragic headline. They were sons, friends, classmates—children full of promise, laughter, and dreams yet to unfold. Dereon, at 12, stood on the edge of adolescence, a time filled with curiosity, growth, and the discovery of who he was becoming. Mikhail-Lee, only 9, carried the innocence and light of childhood, a spirit that undoubtedly brightened every room he entered.

Those who knew them will remember their smiles, their energy, and the unique ways they touched the lives around them. Whether through playful moments with friends, quiet acts of kindness, or the simple joy of being children, they left imprints that will never fade. Their absence now creates a silence that words cannot fully capture.

This tragedy has shaken Spartanburg County, South Carolina to its core. Families, neighbors, teachers, and friends are mourning together, holding tightly to memories while grappling with an unimaginable loss. In moments like these, a community’s strength is revealed—not in the absence of pain, but in the way people come together to support one another through it.

As we remember Dereon and Mikhail-Lee, we also reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Their lives, though brief, carried meaning and love that will continue to ripple through those who knew them.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.
May their families find comfort in the love that surrounds them.
And may their memories live on—not defined by tragedy, but by the joy, innocence, and light they brought into the world.

Gone too soon, but never forgotten.