Brayden Smith, who won five games in December 2020 and January 2021, passed away on February 5, the Las Vegas Review-Journal has reported. The cause of death was not revealed.
The Jeopardy! Fan wishes to give its condolences to Brayden’s family and friends.
According to Las Vegas local news reports, Smith had recently spent time in hospital; the cause of death was due to complications following recent surgery.
Hailed as “Alex’s Last Great Champion”, Brayden was looking forward to competing in the next Tournament of Champions. The second of four sons, Brayden was born in Henderson, NV. on September 6, 1996, to Scott and Deborah (Rudy) Smith. They survive, along with his brothers Bryce, 26, of Reno, NV, Brock, 18, and Brody, 15, both of Las Vegas, NV. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Donations in Brayden’s memory may be made to the Brayden Smith Memorial Fund, dedicated to furthering the educational aspirations of southern Nevada students.
So sorry to hear that he has passed away. Condolences to his family. I enjoyed watching him on the show.
So sorry, such a short life with so much going for him.
So shocked and saddened. He seemed like a really nice guy. I was a big fan and really glad he qualified for TOCs. Bless his family in this trying time, I can’t imagine the pain they are going through right now. I’m sorry.
Wow, Brayden was such a good player. I loved watching his games, especially his three runaways.
I so enjoyed watching him scale the heights. What a tragic turn this is. Deepest condolences to his loved ones, of which, I’m sure, there are many. May Gd rest him.
This is terrible news. I was looking forward to seeing him and Jason in the finals.
Oh my goodness! He was so young. I really enjoyed him on the show. So smart and so humble. RIP and you and Alex can start Jeopardy up yonder
Wow, what a shock to hear that, far too young a person to pass away
He was very bright. Your right Alex did like him. He got all the daily doubles. Really a tragedy. God bless RIP
So very sad. I liked him as a “Jeopardy!” contestant. May he rest in peace and condolences to his family.
Very sad indeed. He was fun to watch and so likable in many ways. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family. Hopefully Jeopardy will make a donation to his family scholarship fund dedicated in his name.
This has really affected me–I’m actually crying. I only knew Brayden through watching him on Jeopardy, but I think what’s gotten to me is that he was so young and so bright, and had such a wonderful future ahead of him. What a loss for his family and society.
It’s a cliche, but no one’s life should ever be taken for granted–every day is a gift.
Is Brayden not the darling young man who apologized for hitting two daily doubles in quick succession? That was so endearing. And so telling about his sensitive persona.
So sad for family and friends, he seemed like a great young man who had a great future.
He clearly was kind and thoughtful, and humbly very smart. We are very sorry to have lost him
I loved Brayden ♥. He had a good friend waiting in Alex. May they both rest in peace.
Agreed. I would like to imagine/realize that Alex was there at the gate welcoming him home.
How sad for the family I enjoyed watching him we need more of these inspiring young folks
God Bless
I was shocked to hear of Brayden’s passing. My condolences to his parents and his siblings.
He was wonderful to watch on Jeopardy.
Ditto: He was WONDERFUL to watch on Jeopardy. What a champion!
What sad news, I really enjoyed the faces he made when he hit a double jeopardy. Sorry for his friends and family.
I can’t even think straight, I meant when he hit a daily double.
To Brayden’s family…I am so sorry for the loss of your son and brother. I particularly loved when Brayden hit the “Daily Double” as Alex would begin to read the clue Brayden would “lean in” and “squint” as if to try to concentrate more on the clue as it was being read. He was not only a Jeopardy champ, he was a champion at life. My condolences…