Former San Francisco 49ers star Aldon Smith unexpectedly and tragically died in June 2026 at the age of 36.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers wrote in a social media statement, announcing Smith’s death. “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.”
Smith was drafted by the 49ers in 2011, playing with the team for four years before he was released in 2015. The NFL star later signed with the Oakland Raiders but was ultimately suspended over a series of off-the-field issues. He briefly returned to the gridiron in 2020 and 2021 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, respectively, before his eventual retirement.
Scroll below for more details about Smith’s death:
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What Happened to Aldon Smith?
News broke on June 13, 2026, that Smith died without further details revealed. According to his friend Amir Shirazi, the retired athlete was found unresponsive after the pair visited a local charity to donate food that day.
“He was perfectly fine an hour before,” Shirazi told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I came out and he was basically dead in my front seat. I’m just in shock.”
After their delivery, Shirazi and Smith returned to Shirazi’s house. He later found Smith slumped over in his car and believes that Smith died of natural causes.
“He was a very sweet, caring, loving giant,” Shirazi added of his late friend. “That if you really knew him, you’d know who he truly is.”
Aldon Smith Donated to Charity Less Than 1 Hour Before His Death
Smith and his friend, Shirazi, went to donate food at CHAM Deliverance Ministry in San Jose, California, early on June 13, 2026.
“My impression was that this is a young man that wanted to help the homeless, which was great,” CHAM founder Scott Wagers told the San Francisco Chronicle. “When the 49ers and people like that want to help the community, that’s everything.”
Wagers founded CHAM to “feed, clothe, provide other basic necessities, offer hope, encouragement and the Word” to those in need, according to its website.
San Francisco 49ers Speak Out
A representative for the team issued a statement on June 13, 2026, hours after Smith’s death.
“Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into,” the statement read. “Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith Dead: Former NFL Player Was 36
Aldon Smith Met With San Francisco 49ers Players 1 Week Before His Death
Just one week before his tragic death, Smith was spotted visiting the 49ers practice facility.
“Aldon Smith spoke to the rookies last week in Santa Clara, per source,” sports reporter Bonta Hill tweeted on June 13, 2026. “Head was on straight. Condolences to his family.”
The 49ers, who did not further address Smith’s reported visit, are currently in the middle of preseason before games begin in the fall.
