Aldon Smith's Family Launches Independent Death Probe at 36, Sending Brain for CTE Testing
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 16
Aldon Smith's Family Launches Independent Death Probe at 36, Sending Brain for CTE Testing
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 16
Summary
Aldon Smith's family said Tuesday it has opened an independent investigation into the former NFL star's sudden death after he was found unresponsive in his truck Saturday and later pronounced dead in San Jose.
No cause of death has been determined, and the family said it sent Smith's brain to Boston for examination for CTE and other damage tied to years of concussions and trauma.
Smith, a former 49ers defensive lineman who also played for the Raiders and Cowboys, retired in 2023 after a career marked by elite early play, league suspensions and repeated legal troubles.
Days before his death, Smith said in a YouTube interview that he was struggling with how his life was unfolding, while the 49ers said they were devastated by his sudden death.