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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The University of Kentucky announced Monday that football player Nic Smith died.

Nic "Happy" Smith was a redshirt freshman defensive lineman for the Wildcats. He redshirted last season after committing to UK as a 3-star recruit.

"Today our hearts are broken," UK coach Will Stein said in a news release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him."

Smith was a sophomore in the Community Leadership and Development program. He was from Longville, Georgia.

The university said support resources are available through the Office for Student Success.

"This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community," Stein said in a news release. "We will continue to support one another and honor his memory."

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