Teen Cadarius Smith helps neighbors survive storm by clearing floodwaters in Memphis.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the storm that brought devastating loss and severe flooding to the Mid-South region begins to subside, one community in Memphis is telling a different story.
Amid the chaos, residents of Cambridge Station condos came together to help each other survive the storm’s harsh effects.
And one person stood out in particular: 17-year-old Cadarius Smith, a high school student whose quick thinking and determination helped keep his neighbors safe.
“My friends and family and my mama was also out here, and she had to get back to the house. So…wasn’t nobody else doing it,” Smith said, reflecting on his decision to step in and help when others were unable to.
As floodwaters rose higher, the tenants of Cambridge Station found themselves trapped, with several feet of water surrounding them.
When calls for help went unanswered, Smith took matters into his own hands.
His mother, Kiyomi Dunham, was by his side and witnessed his heroic actions firsthand.
“He was out there in his shorts, sandals, and he was getting the water,” Dunham said.
As the waters continued to rise Thursday afternoon, Smith showed just how difficult the situation was.
“It was like, right here. And it went all the way to right there, and our way over here,” he explained, showing the exact level of the floodwaters. “Yeah, probably, like about, about this much left for the brick.”
At one point, after realizing his rake wasn’t working, Smith resorted to using his hands to clear the clogged drain that had caused the floodwaters to accumulate.
“The maintenance lady, she came, I’d say, probably like an hour after me, halfway doing it, and other guys helping me. She ended up coming through here to help. Yeah, we just all got it done,” he shared.
Throughout the storms, Smith’s mother was both proud and relieved by her son’s actions.
“I feel happy. I’m glad he’s helping out,” Dunham said with a smile.
As the weekend storms are expected to bring more rainfall, Smith is ready to continue helping his neighbors. When asked if he would be back out in the community to assist again, he answered without hesitation.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said.
To support Smith’s good deed, you can visit his GoFundMe here.