'Loved By So Many': Camden Boy Approaching End Of Life Leaves Legacy Of Humor, Compassion

CAMDEN, NJ — A Camden boy approaching the end of his life will leave a legacy of humor and compassion, according to Isaiah Amir "Zay-Zay" Smith's loved ones.

Isaiah, 14, suffered a severe asthma attack on April 19, which caused his heart to stop. He collapsed and was later diagnosed with severe brain damage and lung failure.

Despite doctors' best efforts, Isaiah's medical care will end soon. A GoFundMe has been started to help his family lay him to rest.

"Unfortunately, his care is coming to an end, and this was an unexpected tragedy the family was never prepared for," says the GoFundMe page.

Isaiah had an energetic presence. He loved making TikTok videos, rapping and playing basketball, never letting asthma interfere with his love for sports.

He was "loved by so many people," including Camden County police officers who played basketball with him at Open Gym events, the GoFundMe says.

On hot summer days, he sold water to the community at the corner of Chase Street and Mt. Ephraim Avenue in Camden.

"Isaiah was a loving kid who would help everyone before himself," the GoFundMe says. "He was a family-oriented person who loved all his cousins dearly. He would make everyone laugh as soon as he walked into the room."

Services are expected in mid-June, according to the online fundraiser.

Click here to view and support the GoFundMe.