Brayden Michael Smith, 21, of Morgantown, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025. He was born August 13, 2004, in Cary, N.C., 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 girlfriend Emily Gyurman, and Barrett Thomas Smith; grandmothers, Susan Vaughan and Ruth Smith; uncle, Michael Ring; aunt, Kelly Saines and 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. Donations by check should be made payable to: WVU Foundation and mailed to West Virginia University Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650. Donations by credit card can be made at https://give.wvu.edu/, (please put “In memory of Brayden Smith for the Formula SAE fund #2W1252” on the memo line).
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, from 1 until the time of the funeral service at 4 p.m. Thursday, December 4, with Father Brian Crenwelge officiating. Following the service, cremation services will be provided.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
