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Ex-49er Aldon Smith Dies; Brain Sent for CTE

6/21/2026

Summary

Aldon Smith Dies

Aldon Smith died Saturday at age 36 in the Bay Area.
His family sent his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for chronic traumatic encephalopathy testing.
The San Francisco 49ers called the death sudden and tragic and recalled his rookie season of 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits.
Smith, a 2011 seventh-overall pick, had ten arrests, multiple NFL suspensions, and launched the “I.M. Loading” mentorship project in 2024.

Summary

Smith Family Investigates

Smith’s family hired three lawyers and private investigators to probe his June 13 death.
Whitner said C.J. Spillman FaceTimed him at 6 a.m. Bali time, showing Smith slumped in Shirazi’s truck with medical gear, called the images disgusting, and urged investigators to interview Anthony Davis and C.J. Spillman.
Shirazi told the San Francisco Chronicle Smith seemed fine an hour earlier, suggested natural causes, and noted toxicology results are pending while Whitner remains skeptical.

History

Historical Context

Mike Webster, the Steelers center who died in 2002, became the first NFL player diagnosed post-mortem with chronic traumatic encephalopathy by Dr. Bennet Omalu at Boston University’s CTE Center. His case spurred the league’s 2013 $1 billion concussion settlement and prompted families like Aldon Smith’s to send brains for analysis, now among over 345 former players confirmed with CTE.

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Aldon Smith Dies

Aldon Smith died Saturday at age 36 in the Bay Area.
His family sent his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for chronic traumatic encephalopathy testing.
The San Francisco 49ers called the death sudden and tragic and recalled his rookie season of 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits.
Smith, a 2011 seventh-overall pick, had ten arrests, multiple NFL suspensions, and launched the “I.M. Loading” mentorship project in 2024.

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