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Kentucky DL dies at 20; no foul play suspected

ESPN · Jun 8, 2026, 11:03 PM

Key takeaways

  • LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith has died at age 20, the school announced Monday.
  • School spokesman Jay Blanton said the University of Kentucky Police Department received a call Monday at 10:03 a.m. reporting that a student had been found dead in a residence hall.
  • Blanton said the police department was working with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner, and an initial investigation did not indicate that foul play was involved.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith has died at age 20, the school announced Monday.

School spokesman Jay Blanton said the University of Kentucky Police Department received a call Monday at 10:03 a.m. reporting that a student had been found dead in a residence hall. The university announced Smith's death in a statement later in the day.

Blanton said the police department was working with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner, and an initial investigation did not indicate that foul play was involved.

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