Updated
Updated · WKYT · Jun 8
Kentucky Investigates Death of 20-Year-Old Lineman Nic Smith in Residence Hall
Updated
Updated · WKYT · Jun 8

Kentucky Investigates Death of 20-Year-Old Lineman Nic Smith in Residence Hall

3 articles · Updated · WKYT · Jun 8

Summary

  • University of Kentucky police were called at 10:03 a.m. to a residence hall, where redshirt freshman defensive lineman Nic “Happy” Smith was found dead.
  • Early indications point to no foul play, but campus police are still investigating and the university has not disclosed a cause of death.
  • Smith, 20, was from Loganville, Georgia, redshirted last season and was known as “Big Happ” while majoring in community leadership and development.
  • Coach Will Stein called the death a tremendous loss for the football program and broader university community as Kentucky said it would support Smith’s family, friends and teammates.

Insights

With no foul play suspected in Nic Smith's death, what hidden pressures are facing today's top college athletes?
In the multi-trillion dollar business of college sports, is the well-being of student-athletes becoming a fatal oversight?