Franklin Pierce University is saddened to announce the passing of Luke Smith, who had recently completed his sophomore year at the institution, and was a member of the men’s lacrosse team. Smith passed away on Saturday, May 16, following a car accident in his native Connecticut.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service and burial will be private. The Smith family has arranged to live stream the wake service on Thursday, May 21, which will be followed by a drive-through procession on Friday, May 22. Additional details regarding services can be found in Smith’s obituary in the Connecticut Post (link).

A two-sport athlete who played football and lacrosse at Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Conn., Smith focused on lacrosse after arriving at Franklin Pierce. Over two seasons with the Ravens, he appeared in 10 games, scored two goals and collected three ground balls.

"Luke was a true ‘Franklin Pierce Kid’,” said head men’s lacrosse coach Rick Senatore. “He embraced his time here and made our campus a more enjoyable place, especially for those who were close to him. Luke was a dedicated member of the men's lacrosse team who was loyal to his teammates and coaches. We were very lucky to have him here at FPU and we will truly miss him going forward.”

Members of the University community can access grief counseling by contacting Nicole Newell, Director of Counseling and Outreach Services, at newelln@franklinpierce.edu.

Smith is survived by his parents, Bill and Cindy, and his sister, Alexandra.

Please see below for a letter from University President, Dr. Kim Mooney '83, sent to the Franklin Pierce community on Wednesday morning.

Dear Franklin Pierce Community:

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of the passing of Luke Smith ’22. He passed away on Saturday, May 16 after a tragic car accident in Woodbridge, Connecticut near his hometown of Bethany. 

Luke was a beloved member of our community and a rising junior majoring in Management. Luke is a graduate of Amity Regional High School where he played lacrosse and football. In 2018, he came to Franklin Pierce University to play as a midfielder for the Division II Men’s Lacrosse team. Luke’s dedication and love of the sport helped lead the Ravens to victory in this past season’s last home game by scoring one of the last goals. Luke will always be remembered as embracing the Franklin Pierce spirit as a dear friend, a loyal teammate, and an inquisitive student.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service and burial will be private. Luke’s family has made arrangement for a live streamed wake service on Thursday, May 21 and a drive though procession on Friday, May 22. Additional details about services are in Luke’s obituary, which can be found here. 

Students can access grief counseling through the University by contacting Nicole Newell, Director of Counseling and Outreach Services, at newelln@franklinpierce.edu.

We send our sincere condolences to Luke’s parents, William and Cynthia Smith, and his sister Alexandra ’18. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the Franklin Pierce community who remember him fondly.  

Sincerely,

Kim Mooney
President