Overview:
The funeral of 25-year-old Sébastien Smoye Noisy, son of well-known Haitian actor and journalist Smoye Noisy, can be held in Florida on Thursday, March 6. Nonetheless, the household stays decided to search out clear solutions about the reason for his tragic dying on Feb. 22, 2025, elevating questions on police actions.
By Aljany Narcius and Fritznel D. Octave
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — The household of a Haitian man, Sébastien Smoye Noisy, 25, is mourning his sudden and tragic dying whereas looking for solutions about what led to it. Noisy handed away on Feb. 22, simply hours after being arrested by Pembroke Pines police, who used a Taser to subdue him.
His funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning, March 6, in Florida, the place family members will collect to recollect him. However as they put together for his last farewell, they proceed urgent authorities for transparency relating to the circumstances of his dying.
“Right now, we’re concentrating on organizing the funeral earlier than reaching out to our mates within the media to make sure we ship correct and credible details about the tragedy to them,” Sébastien’s father, Smoye Noisy, advised The Haitian Occasions.
The well-known Haitian actor, writer and journalist additionally thanked his press colleagues for supporting and inspiring him and his household throughout this tough time.
Two separate autopsies because the seek for fact continues
To verify how the 25-year-old man died, two autopsies have been carried out—one by native authorities and one other independently requested by the household. The findings are anticipated to make clear the function, if any, the Taser performed in Sébastien’s dying as considerations mount over its use in police interventions.
“Two autopsies have been carried out to find out the precise reason behind his passing, together with one privately ordered by us to make sure full impartiality earlier than additional process,” the sufferer’s father mentioned.
Based on preliminary police studies, Sébastien was on an undeveloped non-public property in Pembroke Pines, Florida—an space presumably dwelling to harmful wildlife—when officers responded to a disturbance name. Police described him as “agitated and exhibiting erratic habits” and mentioned they used a Taser to subdue and detain him.
Throughout the arrest, nonetheless, the scenario shortly escalated. Because the Taser discharged, Sébastien appeared to enter misery. As a result of a fireplace truck couldn’t entry the world, an officer transported him to a ready ambulance. He was then rushed to a close-by hospital, the place he died about three hours later.
“I realized of my son’s dying, however what I nonetheless don’t perceive is why a son leaves earlier than his father?”
Smoye Noisy, Haitian actor and journalist
His dying comes amid nationwide considerations in america over Taser-related fatalities, notably amongst people experiencing psychological well being crises. Whereas Tasers are typically labeled as non-lethal, a number of research have proven they’ll contribute to cardiac arrest, particularly when used on people in misery.
A 2017 Reuters investigation discovered that more than 1,000 people in the U.S. had died following Taser use since 2000, typically because of underlying well being situations or extreme drive. Not less than one other 49 folks died in 2018 alone in america after being shocked by police with a Taser.
A 2012 examine printed within the American Heart Association‘s journal Circulation discovered that Tasers may cause ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest and dying.
“Medical situations or the usage of unlawful medication can considerably heighten such danger for topics in an at-risk class,” AHA’s specialists say. “In some instances, nonetheless, dying occurred after Taser use coupled with the usage of drive alone, akin to positional asphyxiation, with no proof of underlying medical situation and no use of medicine.”
Outpouring of grief and help
“I realized of my son’s dying, however what I nonetheless don’t perceive is why a son leaves earlier than his father?” Sébastien’s father wrote on social media shortly after saying his son’s passing.
Messages of help have poured in from throughout the Haitian neighborhood and past. Amongst them, Haitian economist Patrick Alexis despatched a heartfelt notice:
“My pricey Smoye, no phrases can ease the ache you’re feeling, however know that my ideas are with you. Right this moment additionally marks your birthday. I perceive how tough it’s to reconcile grief with this private event. Might the valuable recollections of Sébastien deliver you consolation, and should the love of your family members encompass you.”
Ongoing investigation and requires justice
Authorities have opened an investigation into whether or not correct procedures have been adopted throughout Sébastien’s arrest. His household continues to demand transparency and accountability as they weigh attainable authorized motion.
Authorized and civil rights teams have lengthy pushed for higher police coaching to deal with psychological well being crises with out extreme drive. Sébastien Smoye Noisy’s dying has reignited debate over legislation enforcement’s method to such conditions.
Because the investigation progresses, the Noisy household—and the Haitian neighborhood—are looking for clear solutions, hoping his tragic dying sparks significant discussions on policing practices and justice.