Jeopardy! champion Brayden Smith died suddenly on Friday, February 5, in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 24-years-old.
TMZ reported on Friday that a member of Smith’s family told them he died after a medical emergency. Brayden died about a month after his episode aired. According to his family, 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. He was kind, funny, and absolutely brilliant,” the show said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to Brayden’s family. He will be missed.
Smith took home more than $115,000 over his five-game winning streak. He was the last great Jeopardy! champion during the Alex Trebek era. Trebek, who was impressed by Smith’s run, nicknamed him “Billy Buzzsaw” during his time on the show. Trebek passed away from pancreatic in November.
According to his obituary, Smith is survived by his parents Scott and Deborah (Rudy) Smith, and his three brothers: Bryce, 26, of Reno, Nevada, Brock, 18, and Brody, 15, both of Las Vegas.
