Jeopardy! Champ, Brayden Smith, Dead at 24

[up2trouble]

https://www.facebook.com/brayden.smith.1293

https://www.tmz.com/2021/02/12/brayd...orite-dead-24/

Alex Trebek's last great "Jeopardy!" champion has died at the young age of only 24.

Brayden Smith, who scored a 5-game winning streak and more than $115,000 in winnings as Trebek's era came to a close, died unexpectedly last Friday in his hometown of Las Vegas. The cause of death is unclear.

Brayden's lifelong dream had always been to appear on "Jeopardy!" ... and the young man, who had reportedly tried getting on the show at least a dozen times, left a lasting impression on Trebek and fans alike.

His run was so impressive he drew comparisons to the great James Holzhauer because he also had a knack for finding the Daily Doubles and laying huge wagers when he did.

Trebek was very much impressed with Brayden's prolific run ... dubbing him "Billy Buzzsaw" for his ability to dismantle the competition. Trebek also uttered "Most impressive. I don't know what to say." Brayden, of course, appeared in the final shows Trebek ever hosted before he died from pancreatic cancer.

Brayden, who died about a month after his episode aired, had been looking forward to competing in the show's Tournament of Champions. He had just graduated from UNLV last year with a degree in economics and had hoped to attend law school and become a U.S. Attorney.

The family's asked that donations be made in Brayden's name here ... a fund benefiting Nevada students furthering their education.

RIP, champ.

[Angiebla]

Hmm...I wonder what his COD will be.

[KimTisha]

My 92yo neighbor will be heartbroken. We watch Jeopardy together every night, and she adored this kid.

RIP Brayden, you were a fierce competitor...

[up2trouble]

Jeopardy champion Brayden Smith died from complications after surgery: family

https://www.nydailynews.com/news/nat...spa-story.html

“Jeopardy” champion Brayden Smith died following complications after a surgical operation, according to his family.

Smith, 24, was one of the final contestants to play for host Alex Trebek when he appeared on the show in October. During his five-game winning-streak, Smith won nearly $116,000 and had qualified for the show’s Tournament of Champions.

Smith’s family told Las Vegas TV station 8 News Now that he died Feb. 5 after being hospitalized for several days following the operation. The reason for the medical procedure were not disclosed.

The show also issued a statement.

“The JEOPARDY! family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brayden Smith,” the show said. “He was kind, funny and absolutely brilliant. Our deepest condolences go out to Brayden’s family. He will be missed.”

Following the death of Trebek, “Jeopardy” has rolled out guest host Ken Jennings. Several other guests hosts, including Katie Couric and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers have also been announced.

[Boston Babe 73]

As they should. Insanity.

[Angiebla]

Poor guy went through a lot before he died. They took out his whole colon!?!