It has sadly been confirmed that Brayden Smith, who was best known for appearing on Jeopardy! has died.
Brayden who’s appearance on the show was aired back in December was one of the few finalists who filmed with the late host, Alex Trebek, who died on November 8.
During his time competing on the programme, Brayden had won five games in a row, amassing a prize total of over $115,000 in just one week back in October.
The tragic news was confirmed on social media by his Mum, Debbie, who said that she was “heartbroken”
In her post, Debbie Smith penned: “We are heartbroken to share that our dear Brayden Smith recently passed away unexpectedly.
Brayden Smith has died aged 24 (Image: Jeopardy!’/YouTube)
“We are so grateful that Brayden was able to live out his dream on @jeopardy.”
A statement from Jeopardy was later shared on their Twitter page, reading: “The JEOPARDY! family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brayden Smith.
“He was kind, funny and absolutely brilliant. Our deepest condolences go out to Brayden’s family. He will be missed.”
A relative of Brayden’s told TMZ he died following a “medical emergency”.
Brayden won five games in a row during his stint on the programme (Image: Jeopardy!’/YouTube)
An obituary for Brayden read that he had lived a “lifelong dream” after competing on the gameshow, later described as one of “Alex’s Last Great Champion”.
Brayden had graduated from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas with a degree in economics just last year and was hoping to attend law school with hopes of becoming an attorney for the government.
Brayden [left] was known as one of the stand out contestants (Image: Jeopardy!’/YouTube)
Before his tragic death, he had been working as an intern at the Cato Institute, Washington DC looking into criminal justice reform cases.
The late star is survived by his parents, Scott and Debbie as well as three brothers, Bryce, 26, Brock, 18, and Brody, 15.
His family and friends have rallied around to establish the Brayden Smith Memorial Fund which will support students through scholarships, conference fees, research grants and any school supplies. You can donate here.
Viewers have taken to social media to share their condolences, with one penning: “RIP Brayden Smith. You were a true Jeopardy champ and seemed like such a nice person.”
A second added: “My heart is broken. RIP Brayden Smith.”
“As a J! champ, I grieve the loss of a terrific player. His engaging play was a welcome counterpoint to the undercurrent of melancholy in Alex’s last games. As a parent of kids his age, I offer you my deepest condolences,” tweeted a third.
While a fourth said: “It was clear that your boy touched Alex’s heart. So many people loved Brayden’s run on #Jeopardy, myself included. He was charming, funny, quirky, brilliant & fun. My heart aches for you & your family. I wish you all peace, comfort & light thru the darkness.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
