UK Defensive Lineman Nic 'Happy' Smith Dies

Kentucky defensive lineman Nic "Happy" Smith of Loganville, Ga., has passed away. He was a redshirt freshman.

A three-star recruit by the major recruiting services, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound Smith had the size to be a 4-technique player. The 20-year-old was a student in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Nic Smith

UK football coach Will Stein released a statement, saying, “Today our hearts are broken. 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."

The university also released the following statement:

"Our community has suffered a tragic loss with the death of one of our students, Nic Smith. Nic was a sophomore in the Community Leadership and Development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and one of our student athletes on the UK Football team.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. We ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.

"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."

No foul play is suspected, according to reports.