Brayden Smith, the beloved Jeopardy! competitor hailed by fans as "Alex’s Last Great Champion," has died. He was 24.
The Las Vegas native, who won five consecutive games on the show while the late Alex Trebek was still host, unexpectedly passed away on February 5, according to Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Although his family has not released Brayden’s cause of death, his mother, Debbie, tweeted on Friday (February 12), “We are heartbroken to share that our dear Brayden Smith recently passed away unexpectedly. We are so grateful that Brayden was able to live out his dream on @jeopardy.”
Jeopardy! also shared the following statement, “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.”
Brayden earned more than $115,00 during his run on the show, with his final appearance occurring in Trebek’s last episodes in October, which aired until January 6. The Jeopardy! star's episodes were shot in October as Trebek continued receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer before he passed away on November 8 at the age of 80.
Brayden is survived by his parents, Scott and Debbie, and three brothers.
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