Gallatin, TN Mom Calesha Dunn Speaks Out Amid Painful Loss of Son, Basketball Player Damonte Simpson

Support pours in as Dee’s parents raise funds for memorial and cremation arrangements.

November 19, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 19, 2026

Damonte “Dee” Simpson’s unexpected death on Sunday, November 16, 2026, has left his family, friends, and community devastated.

Loved ones describe Dee as someone who lit up every room he entered—a young man with an unforgettable smile, a sharp wit, and a way of saying the funniest things at the perfect time.

He treated everyone with kindness and respect, carried himself with good manners, and spread positivity wherever he went.

Dee’s love for sports, especially basketball, shaped much of who he was.

His passion for the game brought joy not only to him but also to those who watched him play and those who spent time with him.

His presence, energy, and laughter created memories that people say they will carry for the rest of their lives.

In the wake of this unimaginable loss, many people have reached out to Dee’s mother, Calesha, and the rest of the family, asking how they can help.

The family is currently to cover his memorial and cremation expenses.

If possible, they also hope to purchase special mother and father necklaces that will hold Dee’s ashes—a symbolic way to keep him close forever.

They say every donation, prayer, and message shared means more than words can express.

At a time when their world feels shattered, the community’s generosity has offered comfort and strength.

Many who knew Dee—even those who only knew him briefly—have expressed their heartbreak.

Tiera Jenkins that Dee’s life “was nowhere near over,” and she prayed for comfort over his family.

Her words echoed what many feel: Dee was just getting started, and his passing feels painfully unreal.

Dee’s mother, Calesha Dunn, spoke from the depths of her grief, thanking everyone for reaching out even as she struggles to process what happened.

She said she doesn’t fully understand why this happened, but knows that God, her family, and her friends will carry her through.

She asked the community to continue praying for her, for Dee’s father, and for the entire family as they walk through this painful season.

Messages of sympathy continue to pour in from friends, relatives, and neighbors.

Some offer prayers, some share memories, and others simply send love, knowing that no words can fill the void left behind.

People like Sadetra Douglas reminded the family to lean on their faith and loved ones, assuring them that “it’s okay not to be okay.”

Others shared simple but heartfelt words—“Praying,” “Love you,” “We got you cuz,” and “Sending hugs.”

The overwhelming response shows just how deeply Dee touched the lives around him.

Many expressed disbelief, shock, and sorrow. Friends like Taylor Whiteside, Lindsay Bell, Meredith Howard, Gayla Collier, Rhonda Harris, and dozens more pledged prayers and support.

Relatives near and far promised to stand with Dee’s family through the coming days.

Cousins, coworkers, neighbors, and community members united in a wave of compassion, lifting the family in love.

While Dee’s passing has left an unfilled void, the impact he made in his short life continues to shine through every message and memory shared.

The community’s outpouring of support reflects just how loved he truly was.

As the family prepares to honor Dee’s life, they continue to lean on faith, on one another, and on the people who have stepped forward with open hearts.

They are grateful for every donation, every prayer, and every moment those around them have taken to remember the young man whose smile, spirit, and kindness will never be forgotten.

Damonte “Dee” Simpson’s story is now carried through the people who loved him most—and through the legacy of joy, laughter, and goodness he leaves behind.

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