MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) has announced the passing of Hunter Smith, a 22-year-old student-athlete and pole vaulter, who died over the weekend. Smith was a political science major at SMSU and was set to complete his Master of Business Administration in the spring, with plans to attend law school later in the year.
A 2020 graduate of Plattsmouth High School in Nebraska, Smith was recognized as a two-time state qualifier in pole vault and a conference wrestling champion. At SMSU, he earned multiple academic honors, including six Academic All-NSIC selections and two Academic All-District selections.
In addition to his role on the track and field team, Smith was president of SMSU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and worked as a graduate assistant in the student center. SMSU Director of Athletics Jen Flowers noted his involvement on campus and in the athletic program, sharing condolences on behalf of the university’s athletic department.
A vigil will be held by the FCA in Smith’s memory at 8 p.m. tonight in SMSU’s PE Gym. SMSU has also arranged counseling services for students and staff throughout the week.
