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ESU Mourns Loss of Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete Ryan Smith

East Stroudsburg University mourns the loss of Ryan Smith, a member of the Warriors' men's basketball program who battled acute myeloid leukemia (AML) since August 2019.

Smith, a graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School, was the 2018-19 PSAC East Freshman of the Year and a second team All-PSAC East selection in his only season of collegiate competition. He was an honorary member of the 2019-20 All-PSAC East team.

Smith is survived by his father, Craig; mother, Kim; brother, Darren; and sister, Katelyn.

"Our program mourns the loss of Ryan alongside his parents, family and friends," said ESU head coach Jeff Wilson. "Ryan was a talented player and tireless worker, but beyond that, he was a tremendous teammate and an absolute joy to coach and to be around in the locker room, on the bus and in the office. Ryan made a tremendous impact on so many people through his RelentlesS attitude, work ethic, humility and will. This is a tremendous loss of a young man who had a bright future and accomplished so much in his life." 

"The ESU athletic department is devastated by Ryan's passing," said Dr. Gary R. Gray, director of athletics. "He was beloved by the Warriors athletics family, first for his performances on the court and our interactions with him in Koehler Fieldhouse, and then during his battle with AML. We all mourn with Ryan's family and will do all we can to support his teammates and all of our student-athletes during this time."