Former 49ers All-Pro Aldon Smith Dies at 36 After Charity Shift, Family Seeks CTE Answers

Final Hours: A Charity Run and a Sudden Passing

Scott Wagers, co-founder of CHAM Deliverance Ministry, described meeting Smith on the morning of his death. “You’re one of the biggest guys I ever met in my life,” Wagers told Smith, who stood 6-foot-5 and weighed 255 pounds during his prime. The interaction, which lasted “five to eight or 10 minutes,” left Wagers struck by Smith’s humility. “He seemed so down to earth, truly humble,” Wagers said, adding that Smith expressed a desire to involve his “Niner friends” in future charity efforts, including former teammates like NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.

Amir Shirazi, a Bay Area businessman and Smith’s friend since the early 2010s, recounted driving Smith to a grocery store, his gas station in San Jose, and his home in Los Gatos before finding him unresponsive in his vehicle. “We were joking about life and talking about stuff right before,” Shirazi told the San Francisco Chronicle. He called 911 and reached out to former 49ers teammate Anthony Dixon, who arrived within minutes to assist with CPR. The 49ers organization confirmed Smith’s death later that day but declined to provide a cause, citing ongoing investigations.

Smith had recently attended a 49ers practice on June 11, where he spoke to rookies and spent time with former teammates, according to The New York Times. His presence at the facility—where he was seen engaging in light drills and mentoring younger players—contrasted with his later collapse, raising questions about whether he exhibited any symptoms before his death. The 49ers, who have not commented publicly on his health, have a history of addressing player well-being, including the establishment of the NFL Life Line program for retired players.

For more on this story, see Former NFL Star Aldon Smith’s Family Donates His Brain to Boston University for CTE Research.

The circumstances of Smith’s death have also drawn attention to the social dynamics of retired NFL players, particularly those who struggled with mental health or substance use. Smith’s career was marked by legal troubles, including multiple DUIs and suspensions, which led to his release by the 49ers in 2015. Despite these challenges, he remained connected to the franchise and its alumni network, often participating in charity events and mentorship programs.

Family’s Response: Legal Action and Medical Investigation

Smith’s family has retained attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall to investigate his death, with plans to send his brain to Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) for analysis. The decision follows a pattern seen in other retired NFL players, including former 49ers linebacker Chris Borland, who underwent CTE testing after retiring early due to concerns about brain health.

A press release from the family’s legal team emphasized their request for privacy as they “struggle to come to grips with this terrible loss.” The investigation will focus on Smith’s medical history, including his documented concussions during his NFL career. According to Pro Football Reference, Smith suffered at least five career concussions, including two in 2013 alone—a season in which he won Defensive Player of the Year despite playing through injuries.

Shirazi, who described himself as a “friend through a mutual friend in former 49ers star linebacker Patrick Willis,” detailed the events leading to Smith’s death, including a brief stop at his home where he left Smith alone for “a moment” before discovering him slumped over in his pickup. “I first thought the former All-Pro was asleep because he was slightly twitching,” Shirazi told NBC Sports. Emergency responders arrived within minutes but were unable to revive him. The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office has not released an official cause of death, pending toxicology and autopsy results.

This follows our earlier report, Former 49ers Star Aldon Smith Dies at 36.

Legacy and Questions

Smith’s NFL career, which spanned 2010–2015, was defined by both on-field dominance and off-field struggles. His 2013 season was one of the most dominant in franchise history, as he recorded 16 sacks, 31 quarterback hits, and was named to his first Pro Bowl. However, his career was derailed by legal issues, including a 2014 arrest for driving under the influence, which led to his release by the 49ers. Despite these challenges, Smith remained involved with the organization, attending practices and events in recent years.

His post-retirement efforts included charity work, mentoring young players, and maintaining ties with former teammates. Smith was particularly close to Patrick Willis, who often spoke about his influence on younger players. “Aldon was always there for the guys who needed help,” Willis told ESPN in 2022. “He didn’t care about the past—he just wanted to make sure everyone was moving forward.”

The circumstances of his death have raised questions about the NFL’s responsibilities to retired players, particularly those who suffered repeated head trauma. The league has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of CTE cases, including settlements with former players and their families. In 2022, the NFL agreed to a $1 billion settlement with former players to fund research and medical monitoring for brain injuries.

Read also: Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers Star, Dies at 36: NFL Legend’s Life & Legacy.

For now, the 49ers and the broader NFL community are left grappling with the loss of a player whose life story—marked by both triumph and turmoil—remains unfinished. The investigation into Smith’s death will likely take months, with the family awaiting results from the CTE analysis and other medical tests. As the legal and medical inquiries unfold, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind a death that has stunned teammates, fans, and advocates alike.

The case also highlights the broader issue of mental health in retired athletes, particularly in contact sports. The NFL has made strides in recent years to address player well-being, including the establishment of the NFL Life Line program, which provides resources for retired players. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to support players long after they leave the field.

As the investigation continues, Smith’s legacy—both as a dominant force on the defensive line and as a mentor to younger players—will be remembered. His death serves as a reminder of the long-term risks associated with professional football and the need for continued advocacy for player safety.