COLUMBUS, Ohio — One of two security guards gunned down outside a Columbus nightclub, is being remembered as a hero by those who loved him the most - his children. Ceilin Smith, 36, was a loving father of eight kids, who are in disbelief about his sudden death.
A death they say, should have never happened.
“I can’t believe it’s true that my dad passed away," said Christian McDowell.
It’s a grim reality that remains elusive for Smith’s children.
“My dad just wanted to be better, and now he's not here to even try to be better for his kids," explained Jalyne Smith.
However, his life was cut short early Friday morning outside Avalon nightclub in downtown Columbus, just hours after what would be 17 year-old’s Jalyne's final conversation with him.
"It was just him asking me if we were coming over for Father’s Day on Sunday, and I told him, 'Yes we will'," said Jalyne.
That visit never happened. Exclusive video obtained by 10TV shows the deadly ambush that snatched her father away. Police say 26-year-old Jaquez Hoover ran up to the club entrance and opened fire, killing Smith and 27-year-old Desmond Taylor. Two others were also injured.
Christian McDowell, 14, says her father was simply doing the job he loved – security.
“That’s not how his life should have ended”, said McDowell.
With eight children in total – Smith worked hard to provide and protect them all.
“He was just there for everything I needed. I didn’t have to worry about anything. He was there”, explained McDowell.
There for major milestones, like Jalyne’s recent gradation from Independence High School where her father also attended and was named MVP on the school’s basketball team during the 2004-05 season.
Jalyn's wants her father to be remembered as a hero.
"He was coming to save the day regardless if you were in the right or the wrong”, said smith.
As they now cherish memories with their father and the joy of his laughter, they’re leaning on their faith to get them through the days ahead – without him.
“Remembering the fact that he knew God, he loved God. Just being strong for him, pushing for him”, said Smith said.
Which includes forgiveness for the man – who robbed them of their hero.
“I definitely do forgive you, because you weren’t in your right mind”, explained McDowell.
Police are still searching for Hoover. Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
The family is seeking assistance with burial expenses. You can donate to the family's GoFundMe here.