In lacrosse’s lively world, the obituary of UVA Lacrosse star Tommy Smith has draped fans in deep sorrow.
On a Friday morning, November 3, 2023, in Norwalk, Connecticut, the beloved lacrosse player passed away, leaving hearts heavy.
Let’s get to know Smith’s cause of demise and everything about his journey’s final chapter.
Tommy Smith, aka John Thomas Smith III, was a lacrosse standout and coach, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the lacrosse community.
Born July 22, 1974, in Syracuse, NY, Tommy Smith, a 1993 Fayetteville-Manlius High School graduate, was an academic and athletic standout, earning the State Scholar-Athlete title.
During his time at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, he earned recognition as a two-time All-American in lacrosse, showcasing his outstanding skills and dedication to the sport.
At the University of Virginia, he excelled further, becoming a three-time NCAA All-American in lacrosse. His UVA team contributions earned high praise, leaving a lasting legacy in collegiate lacrosse.
After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1997, Tommy moved to the Greater New York City area, where he pursued a career in advertising and marketing.
He worked at prominent organizations such as ESPN and the Tennis Channel, making significant contributions to the field of sports media.
Tommy Smith’s remarkable lacrosse career was recognized with inductions into the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Fayetteville-Manlius High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Moreover, Tommy cherished the Onondaga Nation and lacrosse’s origins. He learned the game from Freeman Bucktooth and Greg Gibson in his youth.
His passion for the game led to dedicated coaching, passing on knowledge and love for lacrosse.
He mentored young lacrosse players at Ridgefield High and Eclipse Lacrosse Club, spreading joy and knowledge.
UVA Lacrosse Tommy Smith Obituary And Death Cause: What Happened?
Lacrosse player Tommy Smith was 49 years old when he unexpectedly passed on November 2, 2023.
As per reports, the immediate family of Smith shared the death news. They made a statement on the Facebook post when they announced the news.
The post said,
“The world lost a great person. I always called Tommy my other son. RIP, Tommy Smith.”
The cause of his death remains undisclosed, but many people, including friends, fans, and the lacrosse community, offered their condolences and support.
Tommy’s friend Tori Beardsley mentioned that Tommy served as an assistant coach at Ridgefield High School in Connecticut alongside Roy Colsey and left behind three daughters.
Tommy Smith’s Legacy Lives On
With Smith’s passing, the lacrosse community remembers him as a determined and powerful first-year player despite being the youngest on the team.
His impact went beyond just lacrosse. His influence reached UVA and the larger lacrosse community.
Smith’s straightforward yet powerful message, “Don’t be a clown, be a leader,” and Coach Lars Tiffany’s counsel to “play fast, physical, and smart,” continue to inspire all the players.
Moreover, he wasn’t just a lacrosse star; he was a shining example for his loved ones.
Even though Tommy’s untimely departure left a void, his memory endures as a guiding light, fueling determination and passion on the field.
Therefore, the world will honor Tommy’s legacy by playing with passion and determination, ensuring he is forever remembered and celebrated as one of the best.
