Former Arizona lineman Warner Smith dies at age 44

Posted January 03, 2018 6:00 am

The Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Former Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Warner Smith has died after a more than three-year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 44.

The university said Smith died Tuesday.

Smith was a four-year starter and senior team captain for Arizona and a two-time All-Pac-10 honoree as a guard.

During his career from 1991-1994, the Wildcats compiled a 28-18-1 overall record and appeared in three bowl games including the 1994 Fiesta Bowl when Arizona beat 10th-ranked Miami 29-0 to cap the program's first 10-win season.

School officials say Smith was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2014.

A native of San Manuel, Arizona, Smith is survived by his wife Becky, 6-year-old daughter Carlee and other family members.

Funeral plans are pending.

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