Hunter Michael Smith, Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) pole vaulter, passed away in November 2024 in a tragic car a*cident.
Smith was involved in the SMSU track and field team and was a two-time state meet qualified in high school.
Moreover, beyond his athleticism, he was a model student, having been selected six times for Academic All-NSIC and two times for Academic All-district.
Highlights
- Hunter Smith was a fifth-year senior track and field athlete and student at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU).
- Smith passed away in November 2024 following the fatal injuries from a car crash. He was 22 years old.
- Hunter was the only son of his father, Chris Smith, and his mother, Marla Smith. He has two younger sisters, Sawyer and Harbor.
Hunter Smith was born on July 15, 2002, and was 22 years old when he passed away.
In 2020, he graduated from Plattsmouth School in Nebraska with a high school diploma. He was the conference wrestling champion and an academic all-state selection during high school.
Furthermore, in 2021, Smith joined SMSU and started his indoor-outdoor track and field athletics. In his freshman season, he placed third in the pole Vault at Wayne State.
In 2024, Hunter was a fifth-year senior on the indoor and outdoor track and field team, with dozens of titles and awards to his name.
Furthermore, Hunter Smith was a political science major and was slated to earn his Master of Business Administration in the spring. Before that, he planned to pursue his law school aspiration in the fall.
SMSU Student Hunter Smith Passed Away In A Tragic Car Accident
According to the news portals and the obituary from his friends and family, it is known that Hunter Smith passed away from the injuries he suffered in a tragic car a*cident.
As of November 5, 2024, the details of the fatal incident are yet to be disclosed in the media. The family and close ones of the deceased are asking the concerned authorities to keep the details private.
Moreover, netizens and the Smith family’s well-wishers await the last moment of their beloved friend and ideal student, Hunter Smith.
The absence of Hunter Smith is huge for the SMSU track and field athletic team and the whole college. In remembrance of him, the college administration released an article about his legacy and achievements on the official webpage.
Furthermore, SMSU issued a condolence statement on the demise of their honored student. The college athletics administration writes,
Our campus community is grieving the loss of a wonderful young man. 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.
Jen Flowers, SMSU director
Similarly, the college announced that FCA will hold a vigil on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 8 p.m. in the PE Gym on SMSU’s campus.
Chris and Marla Smith Request Prayers for Their Son, Hunter Smith, Wishing Him Eternal Peace
Hunter Smith was the beloved son of his mother, Marla Smith, and his father, Chris Smith.
His father, Chris, runs a business in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He is often seen around the Missouri River near the city, indulging in water activities and farm hunting.
Moreover, Hunter’s mother, Marla, worked as a teacher at Plattsmouth Community School from 2018 to 2023.
Similarly, she is a teacher at Plattsmouth Middle School and the National Junior Honor Society advisor.
At the present moment, the whole Smith family is in grief, mourning the loss of their young son, who was just 22 years old.
On his Facebook account, Hunter’s father, Chris Smith, posts a message for the close-on about the passing of his beloved son. The devastated father writes,
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.
Chris Smith
Similarly, his mother, Marla Smith, reminisces about her son’s proud moments, accomplishments, and legacy. She posted a picture of Hunter’s honorary moment at Southwest Minnesota State Univeristy.
Additional Information
- Hunter Smith had two younger sisters: Sawyer, a seventh-grade student, and Harbor, a third-grade student.
- On June 18, 2024, Hunter Smith was named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team along with his senior Carl Swedzinski.
- Southwest Minnesota State Track & Field and Cross Country, smsumustangtrack_xc posted a Memoriam to remember Hunter Smith.
