University of Kentucky football player Nic Smith, 20, dead

The University of Kentucky is mourning the death of football player Nic Smith, a 20-year-old sophomore defensive lineman who was found dead in a campus residence hall on Monday, June 8. Authorities have opened an investigation but said preliminary findings do not indicate foul play.

Campus police responded to a call at approximately 10:03 a.m. Monday after a student was found deceased in the residence hall. The University of Kentucky Police Department and the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into the death. A university spokesperson stated the initial investigation indicates no foul play was involved.

Kentucky head football coach Will Stein released a statement expressing the program’s grief. "Today our hearts are broken," Stein said. "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 has encouraged students affected by the loss to seek support through campus counseling services.

Smith, a native of Loganville, Georgia, was a redshirt...