Aldon Smith, a former NFL player, passed away on Saturday at the age of 36. As the investigation continues into his sudden death, his family has announced that they will donate his brain.
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According to the Associated Press, Smith's family will donate his brain to the Boston University CTE Center. There, experts will study it for damage caused by concussions and other forms of trauma.
"As with anyone who dies so suddenly at such a young age, we understand that there is a great deal of interest in and speculation about Aldon Smith's passing and we intend to get to the bottom of it," attorneys hired by the family said in a statement.
"To that end, we have taken a number of steps including sending his brain to Boston where medical experts will examine it for CTE as well as other damage caused by years of concussions and additional trauma."
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Amir Shirazi found his friend, Smith, slumped over in the passenger seat of his Chevrolet pickup on Saturday. He called 911 and also summoned former 49ers running back Anthony Dixon to assist with CPR.
Smith was ultimately declared dead at the Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California.
"The Office of the Medical Examiner is confirming the death of 36-year-old Aldon Jacarus Ramon Smith, who died today June 13, 2026," Chief Medical Examiner Michelle Jorden wrote in a statement, per The Chronicle.
"The Medical Examiner is investigating his death, and no further information is available at this time. The cause and manner of death are pending."
Prior to Smith's sudden passing, he and Shirazi delivered 10 pizzas from Little Caesars to CHAM Deliverance Ministry. This local charity feeds the homeless in the Bay Area.
Snith, a seventh-round pick out of Missouri, spent six seasons playing in the NFL. He suited up for the 49ers, Raiders, and Cowboys. He set a 49ers franchise record with 19.5 sacks during the 2012 season.
Smith also missed multiple seasons due to multiple arrests for off-the-field incidents, including one that prevented an NFL comeback in 2021.
