The family of former NFL defensive lineman Aldon Smith hired attorneys to help investigate his death.
Smith, an All-Pro pass rusher who recorded 52.5 sacks over six seasons, died on Saturday at age 36. No cause of death has been provided.
Three attorneys released a statement on Tuesday announcing that Smith's family will send his brain to medical experts in Boston to determine whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) factored into Smith's death. Smith's family said he sustained multiple concussions during his playing career.
"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," Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers and Wayne Kendall said Tuesday, per ESPN. "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.
"In the meantime, we simply ask you to keep Aldon's family in our prayers and respect their privacy as they struggle to come to grips with this terrible loss."
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Smith wreaked havoc to start his career, registering 14 sacks as a rookie and 19.5 more for the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. However, off-field woes derailed his climb to glory.
The NFL suspended Smith for nine games in 2014 for violating its personal conduct and personal abuse policy. San Francisco released him the next year following his third DUI-related arrest.
After four full years out of the league, Smith returned to play 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. He attempted to keep playing in 2021, but the Seattle Seahawks released him after he was arrested on a second-degree battery charge.
"We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith," the 49ers said in a statement. "Aldon's undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen. Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon."
