Upper Darby High School Athletic Trainer Dies In Broad Street Run

UPPER DARBY, PA — The Upper Darby School District tragically lost an athletic trainer who died while participating in the Broad Street Run Sunday, the district said.

The district announced Upper Darby High School athletic trainer Brian Smart died during the run Sunday.

Smart suffered a heart attack while participating in the 10-mile run.

District Athletic Director Frank Nunan shared a message from Smart's father.

"Mr. Nunan, Thank you very much for such kind words and your prayers," Smart's father said. "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 said more information will be made available as it is known about future services for those who wish to pay their respects.

"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," the district said in a statement. "Please join the entire Upper Darby School District community in extending our thoughts and prayers to Brian Smart’s family during this time."

A Change.org petition has been launched with the goal of renaming the Upper Darby's high school stadium "Brian Smart Memorial Stadium."

"With the football stadium getting a turf field over the summer, we feel it would be an appropriate way to remember his legacy at Upper Darby," petition organizers wrote.

See the petition here.