Former Butler Bulldogs center Andrew Smith, who played on two Butler teams that made it all the way to the NCAA Tournament final as scrappy squads from the Horizon League, has passed away at age 25 following a long battle with cancer.
Smith’s death was announced on Twitter by his wife, Samantha.
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 Smith (@Samantha44Smith) January 12, 2016
Smith was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in January 2014 and the disease had been in remission, but the cancer returned last spring. A bone marrow transplant failed as the cancer turned from lymphoma into leukemia and it was announced last week that Smith’s condition had taken a tremendous turn for the worse and he did not have much time left, so much that his former coach Brad Stevens (now the coach of the Boston Celtics) missed a game to go see him.
Needless to say, Smith was loved by many and he will be greatly missed.
Campus Sports sends its sincerest condolences to Smith’s family during this sad time.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
