Fort Payne and Henagar, Alabama, communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved native and a standout student-athlete, Noah Smothers.
Noah Robert “Smo” Smothers died on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Erlanger Medical Center following complications related to influenza at an untimely age of 14.
After going to the emergency room the day after Christmas with flu symptoms, Noah’s condition quickly worsened, and he was airlifted to a children’s hospital in Chattanooga.
Despite intensive treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital, including ventilator support to allow his body to rest, fluid drainage around his heart to stabilize his blood pressure, and preparations for dialysis as his kidneys struggled to function properly, Noah never recovered.
Furthermore, the untimely death of Noah Smothers has left his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
Born on June 20, 2011, in Fort Payne, Alabama, Noah Smothers was a cherished member of the Alabama sports community and touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills and cheerful nature.
He was a 2025 graduate of Henagar Junior High School, where he won the hearts of many as a student-athlete excelling in basketball.
Henagar Junior High School took to its social media to pay tribute to its former student-athlete and wrote:
“He was loved by all who knew him. He had a special way of making everyone laugh and smile. Mischievous, a little shy, and incredibly kind, he left a lasting impression on everyone. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and fun.”
Henagar Junior High School
Likewise, Noah was continuing his academic and athletic journey at Ider High School, where he was a freshman and a member of their basketball team the Ider Hornet.
Ider High School also took to its social media to express sorrow and pay tribute to its student-athlete.
The post reads:
“It is with deepest regrets that we share about the passing of one of our beloved students. Noah “Smo” Smothers was an Ider Hornet through and through, exemplifying strength of character and a bright young mind. He was a friend to many and will be missed dearly by all who knew him at our little school. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers as they endure this difficult time.”
Ider High School
Beyond his athletic journey, Noah Smothers was an active member of New Home Baptist Church.
Noah Smothers is Survived By His Parents, Mark and Charlene, His Siblings, and The Entire Family
In addition to being an amazing athlete, Noah Smothers was also a great son to his parents, Mark Anthony and Frances Charlene Womack Smothers.
The untimely death of Noah Smothers has left his parents devastated. His father, Mark Smothers, shared a beautiful post featuring several beautiful pictures of the late Noah Smothers paying tribute to his son.
While his mother, Charlene, hasn’t shared any statement regarding Noah’s demise as she is grieving the loss of her beloved son, her social media is filled with pictures of him.
Noah Smothers also leaves behind his sister Sarah and brother-in-law Wesley Grizzard, brother Will Smothers, grandmother Janice Womack, nephew Bryce Grizzard, his numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and the entire family.
His sister, Sarah Grizzard, took to her social media to express her sorrow and wrote:
“Our hearts are broken. Our best friend, brother, my first baby. There’s not words to describe the hurt we are feeling right now. But we have the peace of knowing that he is with our Lord and savior. It was such an honor to be his sister. He loved big and always had jokes to tell. Hold your loved ones extra close and let them know how much you love them. It’s my prayer that Noah’s life helps to bring others closer to God. And that if you don’t know Him as your Lord that He will open your heart.”
Sarah Grizzard
Noah’s family has organized a funeral service on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 3 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.
Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday and from 12 until service on Wednesday.
