Brayden Smith, The Trebek Era’s Last Five-Time Champion, Passes Away

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Brayden Smith, today's Jeopardy! winner (for the January 4, 2021 game.)

Posted By: Andy Saunders February 12, 2021

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.

Brayden Smith, today's Jeopardy! winner (for the January 4, 2021 game.)

13 Comments on "Brayden Smith, The Trebek Era’s Last Five-Time Champion, Passes Away"

  1. catherine collins | February 12, 2021 at 9:19 pm |

    How sad for the family I enjoyed watching him we need more of these inspiring young folks
    God Bless

  2. Howard | February 12, 2021 at 11:39 pm |

    I was shocked to hear of Brayden’s passing. My condolences to his parents and his siblings.
    He was wonderful to watch on Jeopardy.

  3. Loraine | February 13, 2021 at 3:16 am |

    What sad news, I really enjoyed the faces he made when he hit a double jeopardy. Sorry for his friends and family.

  4. Tony | February 13, 2021 at 6:40 am |

    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…

  5. LKnight | February 13, 2021 at 12:11 pm |

    I loved watching Brayden and cheering him on. One could see him mentally working through a clue until he was sure of the answer. He was so enthusiastic and just so much fun to watch. I was really looking forward to seeing him in the tournament of champions. Iā€™m so very sorry to his family for the loss of this highly intelligent, bright and engaging young man. You are so very fortunate to have a lifetime of experience and memories with him.

  6. Michael L. | February 13, 2021 at 12:36 pm |

    Absolutely stunning.

  7. ROBIN HUDSON | February 13, 2021 at 7:54 pm |

    This is so heart-breaking. He was so young. RIP

  8. Brad (not Rutter) | February 13, 2021 at 10:44 pm |

    Horrible news. Was probably my favorite champion since taping resumed.

  9. Becca | February 15, 2021 at 9:14 pm |

    It was abundantly clear to me, from his first Jeopardy appearance, that Brayden was a remarkable human being. Not only was he highly intelligent, there was something more about him — a sense of humility, empathy, vulnerability….a real genuine human being. I am so proud of his accomplishments and want his family to know that he was a beacon of goodness and intelligence to Jeopardy viewers and fans.

  10. abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz | February 16, 2021 at 6:56 pm |

    RIP Brayden, you will be missed šŸ™

  11. Dianna | February 17, 2021 at 1:33 pm |

    May this young man rest in peace. He was a good champ.

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