Former Butler University basketball player Andrew Smith died Tuesday after a long, public battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and later leukemia. He was 25.
The Smith family made its struggles public not only to keep family, friends and fans informed, but to use it as a platform for their Christian faith and to increase support for causes such as bone marrow registry.
Smith's wife, Samantha, posted on Twitter: "Andrew peacefully passed away in his sleep and in my arms as I told him I loved him this morning. Love you always, Smith."
Samantha introduced a blog chronicling Andrew?s medical battle, kickingcancerwiththesmiths.wordpress.com. Other than family, Samantha said, Brad Stevens called or texted Andrew more than anyone. The former Butler coach visited with Andrew Smith when he traveled to Indianapolis with his Boston Celtics team for a Nov. 4 game against the Indiana Pacers, and left the Celtics team Thursday to travel to Indianapolis, reportedly to visit Smith.
"He was special ? caring, fun, smart and the toughest person I knew. Never once complained through all of his medical issues," Stevens said in a text message to IndyStar. "I'm so proud to have known him."
Former teammates also took to social media following the news of Smith's death Tuesday.
Rotnei Clarke, who played at Butler in the 2012-13 season, tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers for the Smith family during this tough time. Andrew Smith was a perfect Christ-like example and an inspiration to me. He was one of the toughest guys I have ever been around. I have lost an awesome teammate ... a great friend ... and a brother!! I know he made a a difference in the lives of so many! I know for a fact he is in a better place. It was an honor to have known you and I love ya Moose."
The 6-11 Smith was a star at Covenant Christian but was not heavily recruited out of high school. He eventually accepted a scholarship offer to Butler before his senior season. He led Indiana high school players in rebounding in 2009 and was All-City Player of the Year.
Smith, Matt Howard and Joel Cornette are the only three players in Butler history with more than 100 victories and 1,000 points in a career.
Smith played little as a college freshman but came off the bench in the 2010 West Regional final against Kansas State after Howard encountered foul trouble. Smith had played a total of three minutes over the previous month but logged a season-high 12 minutes in a 63-56 victory that propelled the Bulldogs into the their first Final Four.
The Smith family made its struggles public not only to keep family, friends and fans informed, but to use it as a platform for their Christian faith and to increase support for causes such as bone marrow registry.
Smith's wife, Samantha, posted on Twitter: "Andrew peacefully passed away in his sleep and in my arms as I told him I loved him this morning. Love you always, Smith."
Samantha introduced a blog chronicling Andrew?s medical battle, kickingcancerwiththesmiths.wordpress.com. Other than family, Samantha said, Brad Stevens called or texted Andrew more than anyone. The former Butler coach visited with Andrew Smith when he traveled to Indianapolis with his Boston Celtics team for a Nov. 4 game against the Indiana Pacers, and left the Celtics team Thursday to travel to Indianapolis, reportedly to visit Smith.
"He was special ? caring, fun, smart and the toughest person I knew. Never once complained through all of his medical issues," Stevens said in a text message to IndyStar. "I'm so proud to have known him."
Former teammates also took to social media following the news of Smith's death Tuesday.
Rotnei Clarke, who played at Butler in the 2012-13 season, tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers for the Smith family during this tough time. Andrew Smith was a perfect Christ-like example and an inspiration to me. He was one of the toughest guys I have ever been around. I have lost an awesome teammate ... a great friend ... and a brother!! I know he made a a difference in the lives of so many! I know for a fact he is in a better place. It was an honor to have known you and I love ya Moose."
The 6-11 Smith was a star at Covenant Christian but was not heavily recruited out of high school. He eventually accepted a scholarship offer to Butler before his senior season. He led Indiana high school players in rebounding in 2009 and was All-City Player of the Year.
Smith, Matt Howard and Joel Cornette are the only three players in Butler history with more than 100 victories and 1,000 points in a career.
Smith played little as a college freshman but came off the bench in the 2010 West Regional final against Kansas State after Howard encountered foul trouble. Smith had played a total of three minutes over the previous month but logged a season-high 12 minutes in a 63-56 victory that propelled the Bulldogs into the their first Final Four.
