Aldon Smith found dead at 36, cause of death under investigation

Aldon Smith, the former San Francisco 49ers edge rusher, died suddenly on June 13 at the age of 36. His friend discovered him unresponsive after they returned from delivering pizzas to a homeless charity. Smith's family has engaged attorneys to investigate his death, and an autopsy is pending to determine the cause. Officials from the Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed that no cause of death has been established yet, and his brain is being examined for potential signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Smith had experienced personal challenges in recent years, and a friend reported he had not seen any substance use on the day prior to his death.

• 10:35 PMYahoo Sports — Aldon Smith cause of death: Medical examiner investigating how former NFL star died