Former Butler basketball player Andrew Smith passes away

Andrew Smith's family announced this afternoon that Andrew passed away early today after a two-year battle with cancer. Andrew was a four-year standout for Butler from 2010-2013, earning Academic All-American honors. 

Joint Statement from Butler President James Danko and Butler Vice President/Director of Athletics Barry Collier on the Passing of Andrew Smith

"The Butler community is profoundly sad today with the news of Andrew's passing. We saw the way Andrew fought on the basketball court and we saw the way he fought for his health. In both cases, we saw the best of Andrew Smith. But that's what we always saw from Andrew. He gave his all, all the time. As an Academic All-American, he represented the best of Butler in the classroom and on the court. Above all else, what made Andrew special was the way that he genuinely cared for others. Within his large frame was an even larger heart. He is, was, and always will be a Bulldog. The Butler community is proud to have been part of his life, and our thoughts are with his wife, Samantha; his parents, Debbie and Curt; and the rest of his family." 

Current Butler head coach Chris Holtmann:

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Samantha and the entire Smith family. https://t.co/DWfUIdkpk9

— Chris Holtmann (@ChrisHoltmann) January 12, 2016

To the toughest guy I ever met - Thank you, Andrew. We love you and will always be inspired by you.

— Brad Stevens (@BCCoachStevens) January 12, 2016