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TRIBUTES are pouring in for a college football star after he was found dead aged just 20 years old.
University of Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith was discovered by university police in a residence hall on Monday morning.
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Initial investigations made by police didn’t indicate foul play, school spokesperson Jay Blanton told the Associated Press.
The university police department are working in conjunction with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner on this tragic case.
In a heartbreaking statement, Wildcats head coach Will Stein said, “Today our hearts are broken.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him.
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“This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.”
Smith was set to be a redshirt freshman this season having sat out his first year of college football in Lexington last year.
He previously played football and basketball for Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia.
The Georgia native was a consensus three-star prospect in the 2025 signing class for the Wildcats.
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At the time of his passing, he was a sophomore in the community leadership and development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
According to his biography page on the Kentucky athletic department’s website, his nicknames were ‘Happy’ and ‘Big Happ’.
In their statement confirming his tragic passing, UK explained that they are offering services to help navigate people through this tough time.
It read, “We want to remind members of our community that you do not have to navigate this loss alone, and that support resources are available through the Office for Student Success.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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