Funeral services for Derek Smith held Saturday

The Grand Valley community mourns the loss of Derek Smith, a bright young student-athlete who died Sunday night as the result of a rare heart defect.

Smith, who was 19, had just completed his freshman year at Grand Valley and was expected to play on the Lakers men's basketball team next season. An outstanding forward guard, Smith was named an all-star basketball player at Grand Rapids' Union High School last year.

Smith's death was attributed to defect in a major artery, causing restricted blood flow to his heart. Friends said that after playing pickup basketball games at the Fieldhouse Arena on Sunday, Smith was sitting on the sidelines and joking with other players when he suddenly collapsed. A nurse in the Fieldhouse started CPR before Smith was rushed by ambulance to Spectrum Health Butterworth, but he couldn't be revived.

Grand Valley men's basketball coach Terry Smith and several basketball players stayed with Smith's family at the hospital Sunday night. All who knew the talented and friendly 'all-around American kid' are grief-stricken over his sudden death.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family,' said Grand Valley Athletic Director Tim Selgo.

Funeral services for Derek Smith will be held on Saturday, May 11 at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, 513 Henry SE in Grand Rapids. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m.