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6d ago

Aldon Smith, Former 49ers Pass Rusher, Dies at 36

A Santa Clara County medical examiner has opened an investigation and has not released a cause or manner of death.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith speaks with the media during a media availability session for Super Bowl XLVII at the New Orleans Marriot on January 28, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In a “Laced Up” interview posted days before his death, Smith spoke candidly about gratitude, struggle, life after football and his bittersweet return to the Bay Area.
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Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Aldon Smith (99) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Overview

  • The San Francisco 49ers confirmed Smith’s death on Saturday, June 13, calling his passing “sudden and tragic” and offering condolences to his family.
  • Santa Clara County Chief Medical Examiner Michelle Jorden said the office is investigating Smith’s death and that no cause or manner has been released.
  • An acquaintance reported finding Smith unresponsive in a pickup after the two had spent part of the day delivering pizza to a homeless charity, but those scene accounts are provisional pending the medical examiner’s findings.
  • Smith rose fast as a pass rusher with the 49ers, recording 14 sacks as a rookie and a franchise single‑season 19.5 sacks in 2012, yet his career was repeatedly disrupted by arrests and multiple NFL suspensions.
  • Former teams and teammates have issued public statements of mourning and reporters say coverage is developing as officials and family have not provided further details; the medical examiner’s report is the authoritative next update to watch.