Jeopardy! champion Brayden Smith has tragically died at the age of 24.
Brayden appeared on the long-running game show in December, and was among of the final hopefuls who filmed with host Alex Trebek before he died on November 8.
“We are heartbroken to share that our dear Brayden Smith recently passed away unexpectedly,” his mother, Deborah, shared on Twitter.
“We are so grateful that Brayden was able to live out his dream on @jeopardy.”
Braydenpassed away on February 5.
The game show’s Twitter account retweeted the message.
They added: “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.”
His cause of death is unknown.
Brayden graduated in 2020 from University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in economics.
Alex branded the star – the last five-time champion from Alex’s era as host – “Billy Buzzsaw” because of how quick he cut through the other competition.
In a video posted by the Jeopardy! social account in January, he spoke of competing in the show’s Tournament of Champion, calling it “something special.”
He praised Alex for “giving American some good cheer” while his health was ailing.
Brayden is survived by his mother Deborah and father Scott, and brothers Bryce, 26, Brock, 18, and Brody, 15.
Alex died at the age of 80 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
The iconic TV personality had been behind the game show’s podium since 1984.
The show’s official Twitter confirmed the news: “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex.”
