After Being Choked, Robbed, and Left for Dead in Columbia, UDC Track Star Nhaikyia “Ky” Smith Fights for Her Life
The UDC student-athlete battles to recover after a brutal early-morning assault and robbery.
September 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 26, 2026
Nhaikyia “Ky” Smith, a student-athlete at the University of the District of Columbia, is fighting to recover after a terrifying early-morning assault that left her shaken but determined to continue her dreams.
On September 23rd, at 5:55 a.m., Smith was walking to practice when she sensed someone following her. Moments later, she was violently attacked.
“Next thing I knew, the guy came behind me and just started choking me,” Smith told FOX 5 DC.
“He threw me to the ground, I have a bruise on my forehead, and then my eyes – he just started choking all the air out of me.”
Smith fought back with courage, punching at her attacker and managing to break free from his chokehold.
Her calls for help were heard by her coach, while her teammates called 911. Police responded quickly, but the suspect fled the scene with Smith’s phone.
Despite her injuries, Smith’s resolve remains unshaken.
“I’m distraught. I’m emotional. I don’t even want to be here physically. My face – my birthday is coming up, and I have to look like this,” she said. “But I know God got me, and I’m going to be okay.”
Smith is not only a talented track and basketball athlete; she is also a determined student, maintaining a 3.5 GPA while pursuing her education in biology.
Her journey has been marked by perseverance and triumph, from earning a Culinary Arts degree at Howard Community College to transferring to UDC to continue chasing her dreams.
“My life flashed before me,” Smith shared.
“Everything I’ve worked so hard for – my education, my athletics, my business, and my dreams – flashed before me. By the grace of God, I survived.”
She is also the proud owner of OHHMYYBYKY, a food business where she shares her culinary creativity with the community, and she dreams of opening a farm-to-table restaurant after attending veterinary school.
The incident has left Smith temporarily unable to work at First Watch, creating financial strain as she continues to pay for tuition.
She has appealed for support, emphasizing that every dollar raised will go directly toward her education.
Smith also highlighted the need for greater campus safety measures.
“Especially when you have athletes that are practicing early in the morning and most of them are coming alone from apartments, you don’t know who is following you,” she said.
“Just protect your players, your students, just protect them.”
UDC responded to the assault, stating,
“Campus Police are actively investigating the situation and will continue to provide updates as needed.”
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Department has asked anyone with information about the suspect to call 202-727-9099.
Through this ordeal, Smith’s spirit and resilience shine brighter than ever.
“No one deserves to go through what I went through,” she said.
“If it wasn’t for me trying to swivel out of his chokehold, I would not be here. I felt like I was passing out.”
For Smith, this is not the end of her story. She survived for a reason, and with the support of her community, she is determined to continue pursuing her dreams, both on the track and beyond.
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