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The “Jeopardy” family is recovering from another death after former champion Brayden Smith died of complications after surgery.
Smith was only 24 years old.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Smith was hospitalized for days in a southern Nevada hospital before his death on February 5.
Smith five consecutive games in “Jeopardy” and racked up more than $ 115,000 during his run as a champion.
In an obituary posted online, the Smith family said, “Brayden achieved his dream of a lifetime as a five-time champion” in Jeopardy! He was looking forward to competing in the show’s Tournament of Champions. “
“The ‘Jeopardy!’ family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brayden Smith, ”the show said in a statement released. “He was kind, funny and absolutely brilliant. Our deepest condolences go out to the Brayden family. He will be missed. “
Smith’s online obituary stated that the UNLV graduate planned to study law and become a federal government attorney.
Smith was a champion competitor during the final episodes of Alex Trebek before the beloved host lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. The programs were recorded in October 2020.
“Jeopardy” has yet to name a replacement for Trebeck, opting for interim hosts like Ken Jennings and Aaron Rodgers. Yes, that Aaron Rogers.
[via Review Journal]