In a shocking development, former NFL defensive end Chris Smith tragically passed away on April 17th. Smith was signed to the XFL after spending eight seasons in the NFL. During his stint in the NFL, he played for several teams such as Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. XFL owner, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
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Chris Smith’s death was first announced by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, per NBC News. The former NFL player died at the young age of 31. As it stands, the cause of his death has not been revealed yet.
The whole XFL team took to social media to mourn the loss of Smith. Social media is buzzing with fans pouring their sincere condolences.
Dwayne Johnson sends his condolences to the family of Chris Smith after his untimely passing
Taking to Twitter, XFL owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson offered his commiseration to the family of Chris Smith. Johnson expressed that he is left heartbroken after learning about the untimely demise of the Sea Dragon’s player. He wrote-
“I was so sorry to hear this news. Heartbroken for Chris’ family. Our entire XFL universe sends it love, light, and strength to the Smith family. Stay strong. We are here. dj.”
I was so sorry to hear this news.
Heartbroken for Chris’ family.
Our entire XFL universe sends it love, light and strength to the Smith family.
Stay strong. We are here. dj https://t.co/VUwYIjMCxf— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 18, 2023
According to Daily Mail, Chris Smith dies a few hours after playing for the Sea Dragons. At this point, we will have to wait and find out what his cause of death was.
The XFL was previously owned by Vince McMahon. In August 2020, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and the Redbird purchased the company from McMahon when it was on the brink of bankruptcy during the global pandemic. The rights to the XFL were bought for around $15 million.
Chris Smith struggled to accept the death of his girlfriend a few years ago
Chris Smith had been contending to live with the tragic death of his girlfriend, Petara Cordero. In 2019, Cordero was hit and killed by a passing vehicle. At the time, the couple was standing on Cleaveland Highway as Smith’s car had a malfunction.
During an interview with Sports Illustrated, a grief-stricken Smith recalled the incident.
DE Chris Smith has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 31.
Smith was drafted by the #Jaguars also playing for the #Bengals, #Browns, #Panthers, #Raiders, #Ravens and #Texans.
He was just playing for the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons.
Smith’s girlfriend died a few years ago in… pic.twitter.com/YevnpSGc2n
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 18, 2023
“She didn’t feel any pain,” he continued. “It was like she died in her sleep.”
“I fell into his (Baker) arms, crying,” Smith said
Smith also added that his teammate Baker Mayfield helped him cope with the pain and “lifted” him up. After learning about Smith’s passing, Baker Mayfield’s wife took to her social media to remember Chris Smith. She wrote- “Life is fragile. RIP Chris Smith.”
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