Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Nic Smith has died at age 20, as announced by the football program. Smith was a redshirt freshman last season with the team.
Kentucky’s head coach Will Stein expressed his condolences on social media, saying, “Today our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him.”
A university spokesperson reported that campus police were alerted to an on-campus residence hall due to a report received about a possible body. The university later confirmed Smith’s death.
The University of Kentucky Police Department is collaborating with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner. Initial investigations suggest that foul play is not suspected in this case.
Coach Stein remarked, “This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.”
Nic Smith was a sophomore in the community leadership and development program at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Known affectionately as “Happy” and “Big Happ,” Smith’s biography on the Kentucky athletic department’s website highlights his participation in football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
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