University of Kentucky football player Nic Smith has died at just 20 years old after being found dead inside a residence hall on campus, leaving his team, family and school community devastated.

The defensive lineman’s body was discovered Monday morning after University of Kentucky police were called to the residence hall at 10:03 a.m., according to the Associated Press.

The school later confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement.

Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton said campus police were working with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner’s Office. Authorities said the initial investigation did not indicate foul play.

“Today our hearts are broken,” Kentucky coach Will Stein said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him.”

“This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community,” Stein continued. “We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.”

Smith, who was known by the nicknames “Happy” and “Big Happ,” was a sophomore defensive lineman for the Wildcats. He redshirted during his freshman season last year.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound player had been a three-star recruit out of Loganville, Georgia, where he played football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School before committing to Kentucky.

Smith was studying community leadership and development in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

According to his team bio, the young athlete dreamed of playing in the NFL and later starting his own food business.

His loved ones are now mourning the sudden loss of a young man they described as a “gentle giant.”

“It is with an extremely heavy heart I let you know our beautiful young man Nicholas ‘Big Happy’ Smith is no longer in the land of the living,” Genedra Smalls wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

“I post this to let those who knew my son and loved him of the passing of our gentle giant,” she continued. “I know there are more people that I can call or think who loved and cared about my son and was rooting for him.”

Smalls said the family is now focused on peacefully laying Smith to rest.

“I just want to peacefully lay my baby’s body to rest,” she wrote. “Hold your children tighter kiss them tell them you love them check on them everyday.”

She thanked those who had already reached out with prayers and support, adding that memorial service details would be shared at a later time.

Smith is survived by his parents Spencer and Kisha Smith and Genedra Smalls, along with his six siblings.