News Summary

Mario Le’Derrick Smith, a beloved member of the Augusta community, was found deceased under suspicious circumstances. His friendly disposition and warmth touched many lives, prompting community members to establish a GoFundMe page in his memory. A candlelight vigil and balloon release are planned to honor his life, while authorities continue their investigation into the details surrounding his tragic death. Smith’s funeral service is open to the public, with a request for attendees to wear red and black in his honor.

Augusta

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified a deceased man found on September 7, 2025, in Augusta. The man, Mario Le’Derrick Smith, 46, was discovered with a head wound at the intersection of Fifth Street and Taylor Street in a case that authorities are treating as suspicious.

Coroner Mark Bowen’s staff responded to the scene around 4:50 p.m., but initial identification was challenging due to the condition of the body. Upon completion of necessary investigative protocols, Smith was positively identified as a resident of Augusta well-known for his friendly disposition in the downtown area.

Community members remember Smith fondly as helpful, kind, and always cheerful, as reflected by a GoFundMe page established in his memory. As individuals come to terms with his sudden death, a candlelight vigil and balloon release are planned to honor his life on Friday, September 26, at 6 p.m. at May Park.

Smith’s funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at 11 a.m. at Charlie Reed Memorial Funeral Home, located at 314 Laney Walker Blvd in Augusta. His family invites the public to attend the service and requests that attendees wear red and black attire in his honor.

As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death continues, authorities have not released further details. An autopsy is pending, which may provide additional insights into the case.

Background of the Incident

Mario Smith was a recognizable figure in Augusta, known for his warm personality and community spirit. His presence was felt in everyday interactions with local residents, marking him as a beloved member of the community.

The suspicious circumstances of his death have left many in the community grappling with shock and sadness. The Richmond County Coroner’s Office and law enforcement are actively pursuing leads to determine the events that led to Smith’s tragic end. As investigations unfold, updates will be provided to the community regarding findings and developments.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Name released of man found dead with head wound in Augusta
• Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
• WJBF: Coroner provides identity in suspicious death in downtown Augusta
• Google Search: Suspicious death Augusta
• The Augusta Press: Community mourns downtown fixture as death prompts investigation
• Google Scholar: Community death investigation
• Augusta Chronicle: Coroner IDs Augusta man found fatally shot
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta, Georgia
• WJBF: Driver dies in North Augusta accident
• Google News: Augusta crime

Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.