LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bellarmine University is mourning the tragic loss of former student-athlete and May 2023 graduate Ashton Smith, who died unexpectedly Sunday.

Smith had recently completed his senior season with the Bellarmine baseball team and played two years with the Knights. The catcher was competing this summer in the Prospect League for the Thrillville Thrillbillies of Marion, Illinois.

Bellarmine Head Coach Chris Dominguez said Smith brought joy to whoever was around him.

"I will always remember that smile and his infectious personality," Dominguez said. "He had a way with people, and loved the game. It was my pleasure to have coached you, Ash."

Former infielder Colin Bertsch's arrival at Bellarmine coincided with Smith's.

"He was my best friend and brother," Bertsch said. "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through right now. Ashton always knew how to make everyone around him smile, laugh and feel loved. He was more than just a teammate to me — he was a great friend — but, more importantly, an amazing family person who always talked about how much his family meant to him. He always put everyone else before himself. I'm devastated and heartbroken for his family and all his friends. There's a lot more to be said about who Ashton is and the impact he's made on every person who has met him."

Before arriving at Bellarmine, Smith played at Rend Lake College in Illinois. He was a native of the state — his hometown was Du Quoin and he attended Du Quoin High School.

Smith appeared in 44 games over his two seasons at Bellarmine. He hit .309 as a junior and had a memorable series in a home sweep of North Alabama in which he went 9-for-12 with three doubles, seven RBI and five runs scored.

Smith earned his undergraduate degree from Bellarmine in business administration.