Denali Smith, a college football player for Graceland University in Iowa, passed away after collapsing during a workout.

He was 20.

“He was a true leader, he had a heart of gold, and never had a bad day,” Latoya Mills, his mother, said.

“He was the definition of positive,” she added.

Smith was practicing at Wellington High School’s football field when he collapsed.

R.I.P Denali Smith

Denali Smith, the 20-year-old college football player passed away after collapsing during a workout. His mother said her son was practicing at Wellington High School’s football field when he collapsed.

Died: Age 20 (July 23, 2024 – USA) pic.twitter.com/nxbyjRZWEY

— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) July 30, 2024

WLBT reports:

After trying everything they could to save him, Smith didn’t make it.

His cause of death has not yet been determined, according to the coroner.

Mills said her son attended Wellington High before joining the football team at Graceland University in Iowa.

According to Mills, her son’s 21st birthday would have been Thursday.

“I would like to thank him for choosing me to be his mom. That’s what I would like to say to him. I’m honored. It’s just an absolute honor. He’s the best human being I know,” Mills said.

College football player dies after collapsing on field days before his 21st birthday, family says.https://t.co/ZrVOq0McZr

— WBRC FOX6 News (@WBRCnews) July 28, 2024

Wellington community members are holding a vigil tonight for Denali Smith of Wellington, who collapsed while practicing on Monday. Smith was a senior college student and football player for Graceland University in Iowa. pic.twitter.com/sB2bFINsWj

— Zitlali Solache (@zitlalisolache) July 25, 2024

Per KSLA:

Loved ones took to the podium to give their respects to the young man, saying Smith was full of joy and light.

“Nobody else could get you motivated, ready to play like Denali did,” Josh Miloch, one of Smith’s friends, said. “He was a blessing. A big blessing in my life.”

Smith’s mother said her son left this world doing what he loved.

The family has also started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.