Rest in Peace, Brayden Smith
Multiple news outlets have reported that Five-time Jeopardy! champion Brayden Smith has passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 5th at the age of 24. Brayden’s pre-recorded episodes began airing on December 15, 2020. His 6th game aired on January 5, 2021. Many moments from those episodes were captured in the 5-Game Streak video that Jeopardy! made for Brayden.
Brayden was the last Jeopardy! contestant to win 5 games while Alex Trebek was continuing to host the show despite being diagnosed with the fatal illness he succumbed to on November 8, 2020. The main significance of the 5-game winning streak for Brayden was that he was guaranteed a slot in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.
A recent college graduate, Brayden planned to become an attorney and work for the federal government. He was introduced on Jeopardy! as a policy intern and had been working with the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., researching criminal justice reform issues. How tragic that his life was cut short before he could even begin to realize these noble goals.
Fikkle Fame extends its heartfelt condolences to Brayden’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Brayden.
More details are available on Dignity Memorial, including a link to where donations can be made in Brayden’s honor.
His cause of death was complications of surgery.
VJ, where it says November 8th, 2021, should be November 8th, 2020.
Thanks
You’re welcome.
Rest in peace Brayden. Such a brilliant young man. I extend my condolences to his family.
My goodness, Brayden, you were a great champion and I enjoyed watching your 5 games. I’m sorry that you passed at 24, RIP Brayden. My condolences go out to your family.
Rest In Peace my friend. I guess God needed a legal adviser in heaven
RIP, Brayden Smith.
It’s sad that Brayden passed at such a young age. RIP to a great jeopardy contestant. His fantastic jeopardy run will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family!
I remember that during his run, one of this site’s readers said they knew Brayden personally. If you’re reading this, condolences from all of us here!
Really tragic. It’s incredible that he could dominate on the show like he did at only the age of 24.