Kentucky football announced the death of redshirt freshman Nicholas Smith at age 20 on Monday.

“Today our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him,” Kentucky football head coach Will Stein said in a statement.

Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton said that the University of Kentucky Police Department received a call at 10:03 a.m. reporting that a student had been found dead in a residence hall. Smith’s passing was announced in a statement later that day.

The situation is still currently under investigation by the campus police, but it was stated that early indications do not suggest the involvement of foul play.

Smith, also known around the team as “Big Happ” or “Happy,” is survived by his parents Spencer and Kisha Smith, Genedra Smalls and his six siblings.

He attended Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia, and was an All-Region defensive lineman his junior year. Smith also played basketball in high school.

A three-star recruit on the gridiron, Smith tallied 98 tackles,19 tackles for loss, six sacks and 24 quarterback hurries in his final two high school seasons.

Smith committed to Kentucky in June of 2024, picking the Wildcats over Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern.

Although not playing during his redshirt season, he stuck with the Wildcats during a coaching change following the firing of former head coach Mark Stoops.

Smith studied community and leadership development and had aspirations in playing for the NFL, and then starting his own food business following the league.

His teammates took to social media to express their gratitude and love for Smith, as well as the impact he had inside the locker room and at practice.

Although the redshirt season didn’t allot playing time, he was in preparation for a hefty role in the upcoming season.

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