Brayden Smith Obituary

Brayden Michael Smith, 21, of Morgantown, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025. He was born August 13, 2004 in Cary, NC, a son of Dr. Jeffrey and Heather (Ring) Smith.

Brayden was a graduate of Morgantown High School and he also graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2025 from West Virginia University with a dual degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He loved helping others and was a teacher and a tutor at the Statler College of Engineering ELC and was also a member of the F1 Formula Club at WVU. In his free time, he enjoyed going to Pittsburgh Steeler games with his dad, riding motorcycles, drawing, Anime, computers, Legos, and his Subaru WRX STI. Brayden was a friend to all and will be remembered for his witty humor and generosity with his time. He is extremely loved by his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Sgt. Dakota Paul Smith and his girlfriend, Emily Gyurman and Barrett Thomas Smith; grandmothers, Susan Vaughan and Ruth Smith; uncle, Michael Ring; aunt, Kelly Saines and her husband Gus; and several cousins. Brayden is also survived by his pug, Dexter.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dr. Thomas Ring and Donald P. Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the WVU Department of Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Engineering Formula SAE Fund # 2W1252 of which Brayden was the Driver Interface Leader. By check: Payable to: WVU Foundation, Memo section: In memory of Brayden Smith for the Formula SAE fund #2W1252, Mailing address: West Virginia University Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650 or online with credit card: Go to: https://give.wvu.edu/, Memo section: In memory of Brayden Smith for the Formula SAE fund #2W1252.

Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Thursday, December 4th from 1 PM until the time of the funeral service at 4:00 PM with Father Brian Crenwelge officiating. Following the service, cremation services will be provided.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com