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Former 49ers Defensive End Aldon Smith Dies at 36
Aldon Jacarus Smith, the former San Francisco 49ers defensive end who once rattled opponents with 19.5 sacks, died on June 13 2026 at the age of 36.
The 49ers released a statement that day, calling the loss "devastating" and recalling Smith’s impact during his rookie season. The team’s post, shared on its social‑media channels, praised the player’s infectious smile and did not disclose a cause of death.
Smith was selected by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played for the franchise from 2011 to 2014, earning a Pro Bowl selection and first‑team All‑Pro honors in 2012. After his release in 2015, he signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he was later suspended for off‑the‑field conduct. Smith returned to the league in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys and in 2021 with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring.
The circumstances of Smith’s passing first surfaced through his friend Amir Shirazi. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the two had gone to donate food to CHAM Deliverance Ministry in San Jose early on the day of the incident. Shirazi reported that he found Smith collapsed in the car, describing the moment as a shock. He believes the cause was natural, though no official medical report has been released.
CHAM founder Scott Wagers welcomed the donation, calling the visit a "great example of a former athlete giving back to the community." The organization provides food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.
In its statement, the 49ers added: "Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon." The statement did not disclose a cause of death.
A week before his passing, Smith was seen at the 49ers practice facility in Santa Clara. Sports reporter Bonta Hill tweeted that Smith spoke with rookie players during a visit, describing him as "head was on straight." The team has not issued further comments about the visit.
The NFL has not yet released an official statement regarding the death. The 49ers’ announcement was the first public confirmation. No details about an investigation or a medical examiner’s report are available.
Smith’s death comes as the 49ers prepare for the upcoming preseason. The organization has not indicated any immediate changes to its roster or coaching staff in response to the loss.
The former player’s charitable activities, including the donation to CHAM Deliverance Ministry, highlight his community involvement outside of football. His friend Amir Shirazi and the charity’s founder have both expressed their grief and noted Smith’s generosity.
As of now, the 49ers and the NFL have not provided additional information about the circumstances of Smith’s death. The organization’s statement remains the sole official source confirming the loss of the former defensive end.
The 49ers’ organization, the NFL, and the broader football community will likely continue to observe Smith’s legacy through his on‑field achievements and off‑field charitable work. No further updates are available at this time.
The 49ers released a statement that day, calling the loss "devastating" and recalling Smith’s impact during his rookie season. The team’s post, shared on its social‑media channels, praised the player’s infectious smile and did not disclose a cause of death.
Smith was selected by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played for the franchise from 2011 to 2014, earning a Pro Bowl selection and first‑team All‑Pro honors in 2012. After his release in 2015, he signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he was later suspended for off‑the‑field conduct. Smith returned to the league in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys and in 2021 with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring.
The circumstances of Smith’s passing first surfaced through his friend Amir Shirazi. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the two had gone to donate food to CHAM Deliverance Ministry in San Jose early on the day of the incident. Shirazi reported that he found Smith collapsed in the car, describing the moment as a shock. He believes the cause was natural, though no official medical report has been released.
CHAM founder Scott Wagers welcomed the donation, calling the visit a "great example of a former athlete giving back to the community." The organization provides food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.
In its statement, the 49ers added: "Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon." The statement did not disclose a cause of death.
A week before his passing, Smith was seen at the 49ers practice facility in Santa Clara. Sports reporter Bonta Hill tweeted that Smith spoke with rookie players during a visit, describing him as "head was on straight." The team has not issued further comments about the visit.
The NFL has not yet released an official statement regarding the death. The 49ers’ announcement was the first public confirmation. No details about an investigation or a medical examiner’s report are available.
Smith’s death comes as the 49ers prepare for the upcoming preseason. The organization has not indicated any immediate changes to its roster or coaching staff in response to the loss.
The former player’s charitable activities, including the donation to CHAM Deliverance Ministry, highlight his community involvement outside of football. His friend Amir Shirazi and the charity’s founder have both expressed their grief and noted Smith’s generosity.
As of now, the 49ers and the NFL have not provided additional information about the circumstances of Smith’s death. The organization’s statement remains the sole official source confirming the loss of the former defensive end.
The 49ers’ organization, the NFL, and the broader football community will likely continue to observe Smith’s legacy through his on‑field achievements and off‑field charitable work. No further updates are available at this time.
