Duane Smith was born on 5/30/1965 and died of apparent suicide in 1996 at the age of 31. He was survived by his mother, Geraldine Brown, stepfather, Al Brown, sister, Wynona, and nephew, Terrance.

From classmate Larry Greenwood:

"Duane Smith (nickname Dewey) was a very nice and humble human being who was very easy to get along with and owned a heart of gold. He and his family moved to Rochester from Baltimore, MD due to his parents job (they both were employed by IBM. If I remember anything about Duane, it was his big smile. He was my best friend. He was the first person I met when I moved to Rochester when I was 16. He embraced me and loved me as family from Day one. He was very out going and loved music and basketball. His favorite artist was Prince. While living in Minneapolis during the mid to late 80's and early 90's He formed a musical group called Charm. Duane never married or had any children but I know he loved life and people."