San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith's final hours revealed before 'sudden and tragic' death at 36
Former San Francisco 49ers player Aldon Smith has passed away at 36, with friends revealing details about his struggles leading up to his death.
Football fans are mourning the loss of Aldon Smith, a former player for the San Francisco 49ers, who passed away at the age of 36. The announcement of his death came on Saturday, June 14, during the evening hours.
While the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, friends of the All-Pro defensive lineman are shedding light on his turbulent life after leaving the NFL. Amir Shirazi, a friend, recounted the events leading up to Smith's death in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.
Shirazi stated that upon leaving his home on Saturday, he discovered Aldon slumped over in the front passenger seat of his white Chevy pickup truck, appearing to be asleep with his mouth open. Concerned for his well-being, Shirazi immediately called 911 and also reached out to former 49ers running back Anthony Dixon, who arrived at the scene shortly after. Unfortunately, Aldon was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose soon after.
In addition to the circumstances surrounding his death, Shirazi shared that Aldon, who hailed from Greenwood, Mississippi, spent his last day helping to deliver pizza to a local homeless charity. Despite this charitable act, he was reportedly facing financial difficulties. After recently returning to the Bay Area, he was staying with friends and was awaiting the activation of his NFL pension.
Reflecting on Smith's struggles, Shirazi commented, "His only problem, and it's true with a lot of athletes, is he made a lot of money and they lose control of themselves. You give a bunch of guys in their 20s a lot of money and they lose it."
