Upper Darby High School athletic trainer dies during Broad Street Run

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Upper Darby School District said an athletic trainer died during the Broad Street Run on Sunday in Philadelphia.

Brian Smart, 24, suffered a fatal heart attack just after mile eight of the 10-mile race course.

"He was in great shape, was running at a good pace for the Broad Street Run. He wasn't showing any signs of any laboring, from what I was told. Just a shock," said Frank Nunan, athletic director of the Upper Darby School District.

Students say one day earlier, Smart was cheering for them on the sidelines.

"Saturday we had a track meet and he was there joking around. Just to hear the next day that he's gone, it really, really hurts," said sophmore Camille Goodison.

Smart was one of seven siblings.

"A guy that gave everything he could for his job. To do so much for kids, it's just a tribute to him and his family," said Nunan.

In a Facebook post announcing Smart's passing, the district shared a note from Smart's father to the athletic director:

"The world certainly lost a good one yesterday. Brian really enjoyed working in UD, working with you and the students of Upper Darby."

The district went on to say:

"It is obvious that Brian was beloved by the students that he worked with, and we've been receiving messages all morning about his passing.

More information will be made available as it is known about future services for those who wish to pay their respects, but, until then, please join the entire Upper Darby School District community in extending our thoughts and prayers to Brian Smart's family during this time."