University of Kentucky football player Nic Smith’s cause of death has been revealed after his body was found on campus earlier this month.
According to a report by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office exclusively obtained by Us Weekly on Monday, June 15, Smith died by suicide. He was 20.
His body was found inside a university dormitory on June 8. Smith’s time of death was listed as 10:40 a.m.
“Today our hearts are broken,” University of Kentucky head football coach Will Stein said in a statement after news of Smith’s death. “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.”
In a separate statement, the university said, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved teammate Nic Smith. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Nic’s family, friends and the members of our program.”
Smith’s mother, Genedra Rountree, confirmed her son’s death in a social media post on Tuesday, June 9.
“I post this to let those who knew my son and loved him of the passing of our gentle giant,” she wrote via Facebook. “I know there are more people that I can call or think who loved and cared about my son and was rooting for him.”
Rountree 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. As arrangements are being made I will gracefully post the information of his services. Thank you all and God bless.”
Smith, a defensive lineman from Loganville, Georgia who redshirted during his freshman season, was also majoring in community leadership and development at the University of Kentucky.
During his time in Lexington, Smith had earned the nickname “Happy.”
Shortly before his death, Smith mourned the loss of his sister, Keitlynn.
“Imma always be your big brother looking out for you, and taking care of you,” he wrote via Instagram on April 17. “Imma keep talking to you like you never left bby girl😢. My lil sister was a [role] in my life in ways I couldn’t explain. While you rest I’ll be down here making you proud.”
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