07 July 2020

Comedian Rickey Smiley reveals daughter was hit three times in Independence weekend shooting in Houston

Comedian Rickey Smiley has revealed his daughter Aaryn was shot three times in Houston, Texas over Independence Day weekend.

Aaryn, 19, was caught in a crossfire while trying to get food from Whataburger on Sunday night.

The radio host announced the news on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Monday.

He said: "I wasn’t even going to say anything about this. I’ve been dealing with this all morning, sitting up here with butterflies in my stomach trying to do the show. My youngest daughter was shot last night.

“She’s in the hospital right now… I'm just so angry."

She underwent surgery and Rickey later confirmed that she had ‘made it out of her operation’. 

Aaryn posted on her Instagram: "This is the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me. 

“I won’t be out of hospital for a while nor will I be able to walk for a while due to nerve damage."

She said that her legs were struck by ‘armored rifle bullets’ designed to penetrate ballistic armor.

In another post, she added: "The (bullet) that would have hit me in the head was not (an armored rifle bullet) and ended up lodged in the car.

"God. Words can't describe how grateful I am to be alive right now.

“Scariest part of all of this is that I’m alone. They won’t let me see my parents or let anyone come in because of Covid.”

In a statement to USA TODAY, the Houston Police Department said: "The three men were in a vehicle at a stop light…when an unknown vehicle passed them.

“The occupant(s) of the vehicle began shooting multiple times, wounding the three men. A female passenger in an unrelated vehicle was also struck.”

Actor Jamie Foxx shared his support on Instagram, writing: “God bless u brother sending u healing energy and love most high.”

Comedian Mike Epps said: “Prayin for you and the fam Rick.”

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