The family of former NFL player Aldon Smith has decided to send his brain to the Boston University CTE Center to determine if chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) contributed to his recent death. Smith, who died suddenly at age 36 on Saturday (June 13), was found slumped in his car after delivering pizzas to a homeless charity in the San Francisco Bay area. No cause of death has been released, and the family has hired attorneys to investigate.
CTE, a degenerative brain disease, is linked to repetitive head trauma and is often found in athletes in contact sports. It can only be diagnosed posthumously. Smith’s family hopes the examination will shed light on whether years of concussions and trauma played a role in his passing.
Smith, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, quickly rose to fame with 14 sacks in his rookie year. He set a franchise record with 19.5 sacks in 2012 and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Despite his on-field success, Smith’s career was marred by off-field issues, including multiple arrests and suspensions for violating the NFL’s conduct policies.
His former teammate, Anthony Dixon, expressed his grief on social media, highlighting Smith’s intelligence and passion. The 49ers also released a statement mourning his loss, noting his talent and infectious smile.
Smith’s family requests privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They hope the investigation will provide answers and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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