On the morning of Sunday, June 8, our beloved friend Peyton Smith, 27, was driving on his way to work at Periwinkle Cafe when it is believed he suffered a medical emergency, causing him to crash. Peyton vomited and aspirated, which caused him to stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest. Miraculously, a bystander witnessed the crash and immediately called 911. First responders arrived within minutes and were able to revive him with a single round of CPR before rushing him to the MUSC Trauma and Burn ICU.
Peyton is currently in critical condition. He has suffered brain damage, but the full extent is still unknown. Doctors have said that the next year will be crucial in determining how much he will recover. His history of epilepsy complicates his treatment and recovery. His respiratory system is under severe stress due to aspiration-related complications, and his cognitive recovery cannot begin until his lungs begin to heal. This tragic event occurred just one week after Peyton and his family celebrated the marriage of his older brother Cody and wife Heaven.
His parents, Marya and Denny, along with Cody, Heaven, and other family and friends have been with Peyton each day and they are praying for a future that includes rehabilitation and recovery. Marya and Denny are at his side as they face an uncertain and overwhelming road ahead.
This page has been created by family friends who love this family dearly and want to rally support for them in this time of unimaginable hardship.
Peyton’s story is heartbreaking on its own — but for those who know the Smith family, you know this is not the first time they’ve faced life-altering challenges.
Several years ago, Denny was severely injured in a mining accident that resulted in the loss of his leg. The family moved to Charleston in search of a better climate and quality of life to help ease the physical strain Denny lives with daily. Through it all, Marya has been a steady pillar of strength — not just for her family, but for the entire community.
Marya is a passionate, gifted, and deeply respected educator. She has served at The Island School on John’s Island and currently teaches full-time at Preschool of the Arts in Mt. Pleasant. In addition to her classroom work, Marya is the Early Childhood Educator at John’s Island Presbyterian Church, where she has played a vital role in growing the children’s ministry. Her care, creativity, and warmth have helped countless families find a welcoming environment for learning, worship, and belonging.
Now, the Smiths need our help.
We’re hoping to raise $75,000 to support Peyton’s long-term care and the many financial burdens that come with it.
Your donations will help with:
• immediate financial needs of the family
Ongoing medical and hospital bills
• Legal fees needed to obtain guardianship so the family can apply for disability benefits on Peyton’s behalf
• Supplementing Marya’s income, as she takes a leave of absence from work to care for Peyton full-time
• Paying the remaining balance on Peyton’s car loan (the vehicle was totaled and uninsured for the gap)
• Rehabilitation and recovery costs in the months ahead
We are devastated, but we are not without hope. Peyton is a strong, kind, funny, and deeply loved young man. The Smith’s are grateful to the community that has already rallied around them with prayers, messages, and support.
Peyton has a long road ahead, and his family needs all the support we can give right now. Whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply a prayer — every bit of help means the world.
Thank you for standing with Peyton and his family during this critical time.
Donations may also be made on Venmo @Marya-Smith-1
