According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident took place Tuesday, August 9 at about 11:46 AM on the Avenue of the Saints at Rudd. Smith was west bound on the highway in his 2002 Buick Lesabre when he struck the back of a semi that has stopped in the travelled portion of the road. Smith was airlifted to Mercy hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.
Smith, who attended Charles City High School, was a 2-time U.S. Citizen All-American in cross country at NIACC in 2011 and 2012. He placed 11th at the 2011 national meet and placed 16th at the 2012 national meet.
At the 2011 national meet, Smith earned honorable mention NJCAA all-American honors with his 11th place finish becoming the first men’s NJCAA all-American in cross country.
Smith’s personal best 8K time of 25 minutes, 48 seconds is tied for seventh on NIACC’s all-time list.
Smith also holds the NIACC men’s track and field indoor record in the 3,000-meter run in a time of 8:44.92 in February of 2013.
Smith also worked as a student ambassador in the admissions office while a student at NIACC.
