“Danger!” Champion Brayden Smith, who died suddenly at age 24, suffered health complications after an operation, according to a report.
Smith was hospitalized for days in a southern Nevada hospital before his death on February 5, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Family members said Smith died after suffering complications after surgery, the KLAS news station reported.
Smith had been a champion competitor during the final episodes of Alex Trebek before the host lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
He won five consecutive games and more than $ 115,000 during his time on the show, which was recorded in October.
“The ‘Jeopardy!’ family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brayden Smith, ”the show said in a statement. “He was kind, funny and absolutely brilliant. Our deepest condolences go out to the Brayden family. He will be missed. “
Smith’s mother, Debbie, also paid tribute to him on Twitter.
“We are very grateful that Brayden was able to live his dream on @jeopardy,” she wrote on Twitter.