'A lasting impact': Childhood friend reflects on life of a well-known Milwaukee barber
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Friends and family are remembering a well-known Milwaukee barber whose life was cut short in a deadly shooting.
Police say 37-year-old Pierre Smith was killed Thursday afternoon, April 9, near Lisbon and Burleigh.
Pierre Smith
Those who knew Pierre say he was more than just a barber describing him as a motivator, a self-made success story, and someone who inspired people every day.
“He was determined, he was driven, anything he put his mind to he did it,” said Ayana Johnson, a childhood friend.
Johnson said Pierre built his reputation through hard work and dedication
“Every client he perfected himself, a lot of people came to him for him being self-taught,” she said. “A lot of people are going to miss feeling good about themselves on just a haircut alone.”
She said his journey wasn’t always easy, but he never let that show.
“He walked with his head high even when he was struggling and he had regular clippers,” she said. “He was still moving like he had golden clippers.”
Johnson said that mindset not only shaped his career but also inspired those around him - including herself.
“Seeing him advance and prosper in that area made me want to go hard as a stylist and do everything I said I would do,” she said.
As she grieves, Johnson said she’s holding onto the lessons he left behind and the impact he had on others.
“He was just one of those special people that you won’t forget so just that alone it’s going to leave a lasting impact on a lot of people,” she said.
Pierre’s family has started a GoFundMe. You can find the link here.
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened near Lisbon and Burleigh Thursday afternoon, April 9.
The shooting happened around 5:10 p.m. and a 37-year-old suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family identified the victim as Pierre Smith.
Milwaukee police are looking for unknown suspect(s).
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.
