MARSHALL, Minn. -- Southwest Minnesota State University athletics issued a memorial after the sudden passing of 22-year-old Hunter Smith.

An obituary posted at LABigCity.com says he died from injuries suffered in a tragic accident.

Smith, a fifth-year senior on the indoor and outdoor track and field teams, was a 2020 graduate of Plattsmouth High School, where he was a conference wrestling champion and  two-time state qualifier in track. He competed in pole vault at the 2024 NSIC championships.

He was set to earn his MBA this spring and aspired to attend law school in the fall.

Smith was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is holding a vigil today on campus.

His father, Chris Smith, posted on Facebook.

Smith: “It is with heavy hearts and extreme sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our son Hunter Michael Smith. Hunter will be missed by everyone as he has touched millions of lives through family, friendship, leadership and most of all faith. Please respect our family wishes for time of grief together.”

SMSU post:

“Our campus community is grieving the loss of a wonderful young man,” said Jen Flowers, SMSU Director of Athletics. “Hunter was a tremendous leader on our campus, specifically within our track and field program. His impact was felt throughout campus because he was involved in so many different things. Our department was better with Hunter in it. On behalf of Mustang Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to Hunter’s family, loved ones, teammates, and friends. We will support each other through this difficult time and carry Hunter’s legacy with us.”

https://labigcity.com/hunter-smith-death-plattsmouth-ne-smsu-student-died-in-fatal-crash/