Late Detroit Car-Wash Owner Honoured With Helicopter Cash Drop

25 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated Jun 30, 2025, 07:44 PM

Traffic on Detroit’s east side briefly halted on 27 June when a helicopter hovered over the intersection of Gratiot Avenue and Conner Street and released rose petals and thousands of dollars in small bills. The aerial giveaway surprised commuters and drew crowds of residents who scrambled to gather the notes, prompting police to close part of the street for safety.

Family members said the spectacle fulfilled the last wish of Darrell Thomas, a 58-year-old local car-wash owner affectionately known as “Plant,” who died earlier this month after living with Alzheimer’s disease. His sons, led by one who goes by the nickname “Smoke,” chartered the aircraft and staged the drop as a final gesture reflecting their father’s reputation for generosity.

The cash rain doubled as a block-party memorial featuring classic cars that Thomas had collected, underscoring his standing as a community figure on Detroit’s east side. Local media outlets reported that the family informed authorities about dispersing rose petals but did not disclose the plan to scatter money. Police said no injuries were reported; any potential regulatory review of the unorthodox tribute has not yet been announced.

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#Detroit #Gratiot Avenue #Conner Street #Darrell Thomas #Smoke #Thomas

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Sources

fox29.com(3)fox5atlanta.com(3)fox13seattle.com(2)fox4news.com(2)

Newsweek en Español

@NewsweekEspanol

A man died at 58 and his last wish was fulfilled: his children organized a helicopter that launched 5,000 dollars and rose petals from the sky. 💸🌹

NEXTA

@nexta_tv

Late Car Wash Owner Creates ‘Cash Rain’ Over Detroit A Detroit resident suffering from Alzheimer’s arranged a final farewell before his death: thousands of dollars were dropped from a helicopter over the city after he passed away. The streets erupted in chaos — pedestrians and

stern

@sternde

Even after he dies, Darrell Thomas wants to do something good for his community — and lets his money rain down from a helicopter over Detroit. His family is excited about the plan.

Story Timeline

5 days ago•Latest version

Helicopter Drops $5,000 Cash and Rose Petals Over Detroit Eastside at Darrell Thomas’s Funeral, FAA Investigates

7 days ago

Darrell Thomas’ Funeral in Detroit Features Helicopter Dropping $5,000 Cash and Rose Petals, FAA Investigates

9 days ago

Late Detroit Car-Wash Owner Honoured With Helicopter Cash Drop

10 days ago

Detroit Car-Wash Owner’s Last Wish Rains Cash From Helicopter

11 days ago•Original version

Helicopter Drops Thousands in Cash Over Detroit for Late Car Wash Owner Darrell Thomas in Block Party with Son Smoke

Late Detroit Car-Wash Owner Honoured With Helicopter Cash Drop

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