Kentucky Football Player Nic Smith Found Dead on Campus

Nic Smith, a 20-year-old defensive lineman for the University of Kentucky football team, has died, as confirmed by the program. Smith was a redshirt freshman last season. Kentucky head coach Will Stein expressed 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," on social media. Campus police responded to a report of a possible body at an on-campus residence hall, and later that day, the university announced Smith's death. The University of Kentucky Police Department is collaborating with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner, and initial investigations did not suggest foul play. Smith was a sophomore studying community leadership and development in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and he was known by the nicknames "Happy" and "Big Happ." He previously played football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia.