NFL player Chris Smith has died in a car accident in the United States, according to his former team, the Cleveland Browns. Smith was a defensive end who had played for the Browns and several other teams during his career. The accident occurred early Tuesday morning in the state of Georgia, where Smith was reportedly driving with his girlfriend, who was also in the car. The girlfriend was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Smith was 29 years old.
Smith had been drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014 and had played for several other teams before joining the Browns in 2018. He played in nine games for the Browns that year before being released and later signing with the Carolina Panthers. Smith returned to the Browns in 2019 and played in three games before being waived in December of that year.
The Browns issued a statement expressing their condolences to Smith’s family and friends. “Chris will always be remembered for his infectious smile, energetic personality, and love for his family,” the statement read. “He was a true professional and a great teammate. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
Smith’s death comes just a few months after he had announced the birth of his daughter on social media.