Overview
- TMZ published an exclusive saying sources with direct knowledge told the outlet that Alphonso Smith Jr. died by suicide at a housing community in Florida.
- The report includes excerpts of a final Facebook post in which Smith expressed deep emotional distress, apologized to others, and referenced abuse he said he suffered as a child.
- Smith was a Wake Forest All‑American, played in the NFL after being drafted in 2009, spent three seasons with Detroit and was inducted into Wake Forest’s athletic hall of fame in 2022.
- The account in TMZ is based on unnamed sources and social‑media material and has not been independently confirmed by law enforcement, family members, or Wake Forest spokespeople.
- The report raises questions about support for retired players and about verifying sensitive claims online, and authorities or family statements are likely to clarify the circumstances and next steps.