Jesse “Smiley” Rutland, known for his role in the creation of The Harlem Shake dance craze, has died. According to reports, Rutland was shot at his home in Brooklyn on Dec. 10, and his children were reportedly in the home when the incident happened. Rutland was a member of the Crazy Boyz Dance Crew, who helped revitalize The Harlem Shake dance in the early 2000’s. The dance was adopted by acts like Chris Brown, Eve and Puff Daddy. Founding member Maurice Strayhorn made the announcement of Rutland’s passing on Facebook: “His 6 year old son attempted to revive him and ran out in the snow seeking help from a neighbor,” he said. “Unfortunately my beloved beautiful brother passed away at 8:30a.m. at Kings County Hospital.” Police arrested suspect Kumar Reid the same day. He was charged with second-degree murder and weapons possession.
