Staff Report
Recent UNM graduate John "Wolfie" Smeltzer died June 13 in Barcelona, Spain. He was 24.
He collapsed due to a massive heart attack while touring near the "Mountain of Steps" in the Olympic Village area, according to UNM spokeswoman Susan McKinsey. Though medics tried to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, she said.
Contrary to rumors of a stabbing or car accident, McKinsey said Spanish authorities reported Smeltzer's heart attack was not caused by violence sand that he did not experience drawn-out suffering.
"He could have been running to catch a train, or he could have been running after a camera snatcher," McKinsey said. "Those are a couple of things authorities are still looking at."
McKinsey said further investigation is still underway, and several UNM professors are in Barcelona to represent Smeltzer's family. They are working with the consulate in the investigative process.
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A memorial service for Smeltzer is still in the planning stages, McKinsey said.
The family is also in the process of getting a memorial fund set up, and friends are asked to hold off on sending anything, she said.
Smeltzer was traveling abroad independently following a faculty-led program that ended May 25, said Thomas Bogenschild, director of International Programs.
Smeltzer planned to attend the Graduate Institute of International Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, after his travels in Spain.
Smeltzer graduated from Albuquerque's Highland High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science, French, Spanish and European studies, with a minor in economics, at UNM.
Smeltzer was one of six graduates honored with the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award in April. The award is presented to UNM seniors who achieve a high academic standard and make significant contributions to the campus community through involvement in student organizations and activities.
