Jeopardy! winner Brayden Smith ‘died from surgery complications’ as fans mourn ‘brilliant’ 24-year-old’s sudden passing

JEOPARDY! star Brayden Smith reportedly died from “complications after surgery.”

The 24-year-old passed away on February 5; he was the last five-time champion from late host Alex Trebek’s era.

Sony Pictures Television

Brayden tragically died at the age of 24

His cause of death had remained unknown, but family members told 8 News Now that he “died following complications after surgery.”

His mother, Deborah, had previously shared the tragic news on Twitter: “We are heartbroken to share that our dear Brayden Smith recently passed away unexpectedly.

“We are so grateful that Brayden was able to live out his dream on @jeopardy.”

The game show’s Twitter account retweeted the message.

Jeopardy

Brayden was a five-time champion

Jeopardy

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They added: “The JEOPARDY! family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brayden Smith.

“He was kind, funny and absolutely brilliant. Our deepest condolences go out to Brayden’s family. He will be missed.”

In a video posted by the Jeopardy! social account in January, Brayden spoke of competing in the show’s Tournament of Champion, calling it “something special.”

He praised Alex for “giving America some good cheer” while his health was ailing.

Jeopardy

Brayden was one of the last champ’s of Alex’s era

NBC

Alex sadly passed away on november 98

Brayden graduated in 2020 from University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in economics.

Alex branded the star “Billy Buzzsaw” because of how quick he cut through the other competition.

Brayden is survived by his mother Deborah and father Scott, and brothers Bryce, 26, Brock, 18, and Brody, 15.

AP:Associated Press

Alex had been battling pancreatic cancer

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