A 2024 graduate of the Southwest Minnesota State University, Hunter Smith, has tragically died, throwing his immediate family into mourning.

Smith, an accomplished athlete out of Plattsmouth High School in Nebraska who continued his dominance in college track & field, passed away Monday, November 4th, 2024, his father, Chris Smith announced.

“It is with heavy hearts and extreme sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our son Hunter Michael Smith,” Chris Smith, of Plattsmouth, announced on Facebook. “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.”

Hunter graduated Southwest Minnesota State University summa cum laude in spring 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. He was studying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the time of his passing.

Smith was an accomplished athlete, with numerous accolades in the pole vault. As an undergrad, he was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leader, and a University Ambassador.