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'Just Tragic News:' Urban Meyer Comments on Death of Former Ohio State All-American Will Smith

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer received a text message Sunday from defensive coordinator Luke Fickell that gave him the news. Will Smith, one of the best defensive players in the history of the program, died tragically the night before.

“Just tragic news,” Meyer said Monday when asked about Smith.

The Buckeyes held a moment of silence and said a prayer for Smith’s family Monday morning, according to Meyer.

Smith, 34, was shot and killed Saturday night following a minor car accident. According to reports, Cardell Hayes shot Smith multiple times and also shot Smith’s wife, Raquel, twice in the right leg.