Entertainment
Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at age 40
A family member confirmed the death of the former Wake Forest star following a distressing social media message, while the official cause remains unconfirmed.
The short version
- Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. was found dead in Florida at age 40.
- His death was confirmed by a family member shortly after he published a distressing social media message addressing personal trauma.
- Official authorities have not confirmed his cause of death, though an unverified report by TMZ cited suicide.
Key facts
- Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. was found dead in a Florida community at age 40 on Wednesday.[Fox News]
- A family member confirmed Smith's death to OutKick, but an official cause of death has not been released.[Fox News]
- Hours prior to his death, Smith published a social media post referencing personal distress, alleged childhood abuse, and apologies to his family.[Fox News]
- Smith was a collegiate standout at Wake Forest and played four seasons in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions after being drafted in 2009.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The official cause and manner of Smith's death remain unconfirmed, though TMZ reported that he died by suicide.[Fox News]