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See the full story · 2 sourcesBilly Ray Smith death details: Why family of former Chargers LB is citing CTE-related reason for passing originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith died at age 64, his family announced Wednesday night.
Smith spent a decade in the NFL from 1983-92, exclusively playing for the Chargers. He started 111 games while racking up 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles.
Upon announcing Smith's death, the family revealed that they believe CTE played a role.
Here's more to know about Smith's death at 64 years old.
Billy Ray Smith death details
Smith died "peacefully surrounded by his family" on Wednesday, the family announced.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family," his family said in a statement. "Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend."
The Chargers also paid tribute to Smith:
to know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray 💙 pic.twitter.com/sFx8gM8eUX
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 30, 2026 Smith's death at only 64 came as a surprise to many, and his family revealed he had been battling dementia resulting from CTE.
Billy Ray Smith cause of death
Smith died as a result of "dementia caused by CTE," according to his family.
While CTE can't be diagnosed until after death and requires examination of the brain and there is no way for Smith to have been formally diagnosed before his death, he presumably exhibited symptoms that are common among players who suffered from the degenerative disease.
Why Billy Ray Smith family is citing CTE as reason for death
Smith's family would not know with certainty that Smith suffered from CTE, but researchers at Boston University have found a direct link between CTE and the likelihood of dementia. Research determined that individuals with advanced CTE are four times as likely as ordinary individuals to develop dementia.
Smith not only suffered from dementia, his family said, but he suffered from it at a much younger age than most who receive the diagnosis.
CTE symptoms can also resemble dementia and Alzheimer's Disease, as researchers also found that some individuals they determined had CTE were diagnosed with Alzheimer's during their life despite showing no signs of Alzheimer's when their brain was examined.
Smith was one of the first players to pledge his brain to the Concussion and CTE Foundation, the foundation's CEO Chris Nowinski said.
What is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain condition that can develop after repeated hits to the head, according to the Cleveland Clinic . A person suffering from the disease experiences the death of nerve cells in the brain. There is no cure for CTE, and it can only be diagnosed after an individual has died despite symptoms showing during a person's life.
Numerous NFL players who died at a young age, including Junior Seau, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Bironas, have been posthumously diagnosed with CTE. CTE has also been discovered in former NHL players, among other athletes.
Symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic , can include memory loss, aggressive behavior, depression, suicidal thoughts and slowed movement. These symptoms can mimic those of dementia or Alzheimer's, but studies show a link between CTE and increased risk of those diseases.
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