Kentucky Wildcats football has announced the passing of defensive lineman Nic Smith at the age of 20. Smith had been a redshirt freshman with the team last season.
University of Kentucky coach Will Stein expressed his condolences, stating, “Today our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him.” Stein shared this message on the social media platform X.
A university spokesperson revealed that campus police responded to a call about a possible body at an on-campus residence hall. The university later confirmed Smith’s death.
A Kentucky Wildcats helmet is shown during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on Oct. 27, 2018. Kentucky won 15-14. (Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports)
Officials confirmed that the University of Kentucky Police Department was collaborating with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner. The initial investigation did not suggest any foul play.
Coach Stein remarked on the significance of the loss, saying, “This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.”
Smith was enrolled in the community leadership and development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He was fondly known by the nicknames “Happy” and “Big Happ,” as noted on his athletic biography page.
Before joining college football, he played both football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia.