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. She shared, “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.
“My life flashed before me
Smith shared these words reflecting on her ordeal. The incident has left her 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. She stated, “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. “If it weren’t for me trying to swivel out of his chokehold, I would not be here. I felt like I was passing out. Through this ordeal, Smith’s spirit and resilience shine brighter than ever. She emphasized, “No one deserves to go through what I went through.
