Just like a scene out of a movie, money rained down from the sky onto a Detroit, Michigan, community. However, it was not an accident, but a deliberate act to celebrate the dying wish of a respected community member.
During Darrell Thomas’ lifetime, he was known for being a generous man who loved cars and owned a car wash stand. Unfortunately, he reportedly suffered from a severe case of Alzheimer’s Disease and eventually passed away. His last wish was for money to rain down on his beloved community.
To fulfil Thomas’ wish, his sons flew a helicopter above Gratiot Avenue in Detroit, and made it rain cash and rose petals. When speaking on the incredible act of selflessness, Thomas’ son, Smoke, lauded his father as a great man. According to Fox2Detroit, he said, “Detroit, y’all might not know who my father was, but he was a great father. Among his community, he was a legend, and he blessed everyone, and that was his last blessing to everyone. That’s all it was.”
Thomas, fondly called “Plant” by his community, was also celebrated with a huge block party that attracted a large crowd of people who knew and loved him. According to a post on X, the deceased’s niece also gave a testament about his good life. She said it was a final expression of love from him to the community. She also called him an “Eastside Legend.”
While Thomas’ unusual celebration was celebrated by many users on social media, others criticized it, saying that he could’ve disbursed the money in a better way.
One user in support of the deceased wrote, “His money and he did it his way.” Another commented, “Dope! The type of caring we like to hear about.” Another user called the act a touching and unique way to go out. “… I’ve never heard of anyone doing that type of memorial before.”
On the other hand, a user who criticized Thomas wrote, “Dropping cash from a helicopter is not a flex. We have to do better as Black people.” In the same vein, another user commented, “Why didn’t he make a donation instead of wasting money?”
A user said they’d have been more impressed if the deceased had used the money to pay for college education for members of his community “to better enrich their lives.”
Yet, another user blamed the influence of rap culture for making Black people do things like that. “Man, rap music and the Democrat Party have done a number on our race so he didn’t think to donate that money to the community to help kids or help someone going to college, help single moms or dads, so much shit I can think of.”
Thomas was 58 years old at the time of his death. May his soul rest in peace.
