On the Internet emerged condolences for Smolek’s passing, which are attributed to Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Assistant Director for International Programs Christian Schurman. The note read:

"It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of the death of Diplomatic Security Special Agent Kurt Smolek. Kurt was found deceased today and the DS [Diplomatic Security agency] is working closely with local authorities to investigate the circumstances of his death. Please keep the Smolek family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

“Christian Schurman.”

According to a State Department bio for Christian J. Schurman:

“Christian J. Schurman was named Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Assistant Director for International Programs on September 15, 2014. Mr. Schurman is responsible for evaluating, managing, and mitigating security threats to, as well as the direction of resources for, more than 240 diplomatic posts within the International Programs Directorate.

“A Diplomatic Security (DS) Special Agent since 1987, Mr. Schurman was promoted to the rank of Minister Counselor in April 2014.”

A search of the Department of State website for mention of Kurt Smolek proved fruitless. 

On Facebook, a post by Beverly Santicola read as follows:

“Please pray for my cousins and Uncle Emil as Kurt Smolek died in a tragic accident this week. He was a husband, dad, son, brother and grandson to them and they are dealing with a lot of shock, grief and pain. This photo was taken in happier times. Kurt is the one in the red during a trip to Vietnam when he was on assignment there. His mom and dad are in the front. Kurt's dad Don is my first cousin. Words cannot convey my sadness and grief.”

Also, a photo appeared on social media that showed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Standing next to her is a man who is purportedly Kurt Smolek. (UPDATE: the man in the photograph below has been identified as Kurt Campbell, former assistant to Clinton for Asian affairs).