Overview
- Multiple outlets, citing TMZ, reported that Alphonso Smith Jr. died by suicide in a Florida housing community, with the reports first published on Wednesday.
- Hours before he was found, Smith posted an emotional Facebook message saying he had fought “demons,” alleging childhood abuse by an older woman and ending with “I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!”
- Smith was a standout at Wake Forest who set an ACC career interceptions record with 21 and later played four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions.
- No coroner’s report or police statement has been publicly released, and many outlets note that key details and the official cause of death remain unconfirmed and are based on TMZ’s sourcing.
- The coverage has renewed focus on player mental health and available support resources, and next developments to watch include any official findings from investigators and statements from Smith’s family or Wake Forest.