Haitian actor Smoye Noisy mourns son as questions linger over Florida police tasing

By Aljany Narcius and Fritznel D. Octave
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. —  The family of a Haitian man, Sébastien Smoye Noisy, 25, is mourning his sudden and tragic death while seeking answers about what led to it. Noisy passed away on Feb. 22, just hours after being arrested by Pembroke Pines police, who used a Taser to subdue him.

His funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning, March 6, in Florida, where loved ones will gather to remember him. But as they prepare for his final farewell, they continue pressing authorities for transparency regarding the circumstances of his death.

“At this time, we are concentrating on organizing the funeral before reaching out to our friends in the media to ensure we deliver accurate and credible information about the tragedy to them,” Sébastien’s father, Smoye Noisy, told The Haitian Times. 

The well-known Haitian actor, author and journalist also thanked his press colleagues for supporting and encouraging him and his family during this difficult time.

Two separate autopsies as the search for truth continues

To confirm how the 25-year-old man died, two autopsies have been performed—one by local authorities and another independently requested by the family. The findings are expected to shed light on the role, if any, the Taser played in Sébastien’s death as concerns mount over its use in police interventions.

“Two autopsies were performed to determine the exact cause of his passing, including one privately ordered by us to ensure complete impartiality before further procedure,” the victim’s father said. 

According to initial police reports, Sébastien was on an undeveloped private property in Pembroke Pines, Florida—an area possibly home to dangerous wildlife—when officers responded to a disturbance call. Police described him as “agitated and exhibiting erratic behavior” and said they used a Taser to subdue and detain him.

During the arrest, however, the situation quickly escalated. As the Taser discharged, Sébastien appeared to go into distress. Because a fire truck could not access the area, an officer transported him to a waiting ambulance. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died about three hours later.

“I learned of my son’s death, but what I still don’t understand is why a son leaves before his father?”

Smoye Noisy, Haitian actor and journalist

His death comes amid national concerns in the United States over Taser-related fatalities, particularly among individuals experiencing mental health crises. While Tasers are generally classified as non-lethal, multiple studies have shown they can contribute to cardiac arrest, especially when used on individuals in distress.

 A 2017 Reuters investigation found that more than 1,000 people in the U.S. had died following Taser use since 2000, often due to underlying health conditions or excessive force. At least another 49 people died in 2018 alone in the United States after being shocked by police with a Taser.

A 2012 study published in the American Heart Association‘s journal Circulation found that Tasers can cause ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest and death. 

“Medical conditions or the use of illegal drugs can significantly heighten such risk for subjects in an at-risk category,” AHA’s experts say. “In some cases, however, death occurred after Taser use coupled with the use of force alone, such as positional asphyxiation, with no evidence of underlying medical condition and no use of drugs.”

Outpouring of grief and support

“I learned of my son’s death, but what I still don’t understand is why a son leaves before his father?” Sébastien’s father wrote on social media shortly after announcing his son’s passing.

Messages of support have poured in from across the Haitian community and beyond. Among them, Haitian economist Patrick Alexis sent a heartfelt note:

“My dear Smoye, no words can ease the pain you feel, but know that my thoughts are with you. Today also marks your birthday. I understand how difficult it is to reconcile grief with this personal occasion. May the precious memories of Sébastien bring you comfort, and may the love of your loved ones surround you.”

Ongoing investigation and calls for justice

Authorities have opened an investigation into whether proper procedures were followed during Sébastien’s arrest. His family continues to demand transparency and accountability as they weigh possible legal action.

Legal and civil rights groups have long pushed for better police training to handle mental health crises without excessive force. Sébastien Smoye Noisy’s death has reignited debate over law enforcement’s approach to such situations.

As the investigation progresses, the Noisy family—and the Haitian community—are seeking clear answers, hoping his tragic death sparks meaningful discussions on policing practices and justice.

The post Haitian actor Smoye Noisy mourns son as questions linger over Florida police tasing appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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Haitian actor Smoye Noisy mourns son as questions linger over Florida police tasing was first posted on March 5, 2025 at 1:11 pm.