The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of former 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith after he was pronounced dead Saturday at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose.
The cause and manner of death are pending. Smith was 36-years-old.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers wrote in a statement. “Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
Smith was drafted by the 49ers in 2011 as the seventh overall pick. During his four years with the team, he played in 50 games where he registered 152 tackles, 44 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery, according to the team.
As a rookie in 2011, Smith registered a team-high of 14 sacks, the second-most by a rookie in a single season in the history of the National Football League. He received NFL All-Pro honors in 2012 and Pro Bowl selection in 2013.
“Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen,” the 49ers wrote.
Smith also played for the Oakland Raiders in 2015.
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened to learn the loss of Aldon Smith, who passed away at the age of 36,” the Las Vegas Raiders said in a statement on social media.
“Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into,” the 49ers wrote.
This story was updated at 3 a.m. on June 15 to include additional details about the investigation by the Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner.
