The Taylor, Pennsylvania, community is mourning the untimely death of beloved native and standout athlete, Dylan Smith.
According to Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland, the 16-year-old was fatally shot on Friday evening, December 12, 2025, at a Scranton residence.
He was immediately rushed to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he succumbed to a gunshot wound shortly after arriving.
Scranton police are actively investigating the incident. While the teen was not initially identified by authorities, the family’s social media post revealed that the person who lost his life was Dylan Smith.
According to Dylan’s mother, Sara Elizabeth Calder’s social media post, there is a police investigation and a person in custody.
Sara also requested people not to spread misinformation and rumors and share memories of Dylan Smith if they have any.
The post reads:
“Now that all of our family has been told, my son Dylan was killed last night. He did not take his own life. Right now there is a police investigation, and a person in custody. Please message me if you have questions, and please do not spread misinformation and rumors. We as a family are trying to cope and figure out our next steps. If anyone has pictures or videos of Dylan Smith please send them to me or one of his siblings. Thank you.”
Elizabeth Calder
Late Dylan Smith Was a Student-Athlete at Riverside Junior/Senior High School
The untimely death of Dylan Smith has left his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
He was a cherished member of Taylor, Pennsylvania’s sports community and touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills, excelling in multiple sports, and his kind nature.
Standing 5’5” tall, Dylan played as an outside linebacker and running back for the Riverside Junior/Senior High School’s boys’ varsity football team and led his team in several victories.
Additionally, Dylan was a remarkable basketball player and a humorous person who never failed to make anyone laugh with his jokes.
Dylan Smith’s contribution to the Taylor community and his contagious smile will always remain in the hearts of his loved ones.
Furthermore, many of his loved ones are sharing Dylan’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
The Taylor, Pennsylvania, community has also created a GoFundMe to ease the financial burden of Dylan’s family as they navigate the loss.
In addition to his mother, Sara Elizabeth Calder Carson, Dylan Smith is survived by his stepfather, Daniel J. Carson, his brothers, Michael Giehll, Olyphant, Leland, and Jacob Carson, four sisters, Cheyanne Richards, Emily Calder, Hannah Smith, and Elizabeth Carson, numerous aunts, uncles, and the entire family.
Dylan was preceded in death by his brother, Nathan William Smith, who passed away on July 7, 2023, after a two-year battle with Leukemia at the age of 15.
Dylan Smith’s family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
