The Louisiana high school football community is mourning the devastating loss of Shamar “Smooth” Smith, a standout athlete and beloved young man who passed away following a tragic accident. Smith, a former St. James High School quarterback and Nicholls State University football player, died suddenly, leaving behind a wave of grief across the region and beyond.
Shamar, affectionately known as “Smooth,” was a celebrated leader on and off the field—a young man whose talent was matched by his character, humility, and infectious smile. A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Smith made headlines in 2019 as he led St. James to a perfect 15-0 season and its first state title since 1979. In the championship game alone, he racked up 229 passing yards, 71 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns, earning MVP honors in the biggest game of his career.
His list of accolades is long: Louisiana Sports Writers Class 3A Offensive MVP, All-State First Team, 9-3A District MVP, New Orleans Advocate All-Metro Small Schools Offensive Player of the Year, and the prestigious Warrick Dunn Award—a testament not only to his athletic ability but to his selflessness, leadership, and sportsmanship. He was also a three-star recruit, ranked among the top 50 players in Louisiana by both Rivals and 247 Sports.
But for those who knew Shamar personally, his stats only told part of the story.
“It’s not often you run into people and think, ‘Nothing bad will ever happen to them because they ain’t nobody’s enemy,’” one friend wrote. “Smooth was that type of person. He was a friend to everybody.”
Family members, including cousin Shatyra Simon Smith, shared heartbreaking tributes online. “Lord, if we never needed you before, we definitely need you now,” she wrote. “Our family is hurting, and we just need you to show up, restore, and strengthen us. We love you, Smooth. That little smile and laugh will be missed.”
In a sport often defined by competition and toughness, Shamar stood out for his kindness, joy, and ability to connect with everyone he encountered. He was the kind of person who made teammates better, made coaches proud, and made friends feel like family.
As the Smith and Simon families navigate this unimaginable loss, they are leaning on faith and asking for continued prayers. “Our faith in God is grounded,” Simon Smith said. “He will carry your parents, siblings, and baby through this.”
Shamar Smith’s legacy—on the field and in the hearts of those he touched—will live on. He was one of a kind. A leader. A light. A son, cousin, teammate, and friend. And to many, simply “one of them ones.”
Rest in power, Smooth.