By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-10 15:06:22 | Updated at 2026-06-12 04:26:06
1 day ago
University of Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith has died at age 20 after being found dead in a residence hall, the school announced Monday.
The University of Kentucky Police Department discovered Smith's body after being called to the residence hall at 10:03am on Monday morning, according to the Associated Press.
The school announced the football player's his death in a statement later in the day.
Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton said that police were working with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner. However, an initial investigation did not indicate that foul play was involved.
'Today our hearts are broken,' Kentucky coach Will Stein said. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic's family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him.
'This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.'
Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith has died at age 20, the school announced Monday
Smith was reportedly discovered dead at a residence hall on the university's campus
The lineman is survived by his parents Spencer and Kisha Smith and Genedra Smalls and his six siblings.
'It is with an extremely heavy heart I let you know our beautiful young man Nicholas "Big Happy" Smith is no longer in the land of the living,' Genedra shared in an emotional statement on Facebook.
'I post this to let those who knew my son and loved him of the passing of our gentle giant. I know there are more people that I can call or think who loved and cared about my son and was rooting for him.'
She added: 'I just want to peacefully lay my baby's body to rest. Hold your children tighter kiss them tell them you love them check on them everyday. Thank you for those who have reached out who heard the news thank you for your support and your prayers.'
She added that details of memorial service arrangements would be shared at a later time.
The player, nicknamed 'Big Happ', was a three-star recruit in his sophomore year
Smith, nicknamed 'Happy' and 'Big Happ', was a sophomore after having redshirted as a freshman last season.
He was studying community leadership and development in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Smith dreamed of starting a food business after achieving his goal of playing in the NFL, according to his team bio.
The 6-foot, 5-inch, 290-lb. defensive lineman committed to Kentucky as a three-star recruit out of Loganville, Ga., where he played football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School.
