July 30 (UPI) — Former San Diego Chargers defender Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died after a battle with dementia, his family announced.
Smith died Wednesday. He was 64. His family said his dementia was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
CTE, a degenerative brain disease that has been found in athletes from contact sports, can only be diagnosed after death. Earlier this month, Boston University published a study, which cited that NFL players were four times more likely than the general population to die from neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, dementia and Parkinson‘s disease.
Previous research from the university showed a higher rate of CTE, caused by repeated hits to the head, among deceased former NFL players who had their brains donated for research.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” Smith’s family said. “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. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.”
“He leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives. His undeniable legacy will live forever in our hearts, and we thank our incredible community for the outpouring of love and support.”
Smith was a two-time All-American at Arkansas and 2000 College Football Hall of Fame inductee. The No. 5 overall pick by the Chargers in the 1983 NFL Draft spent his 10-year career with the franchise. He totaled 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries over 126 appearances during his NFL tenure.
Smith, the Chargers’ Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1986, later served as a sports broadcaster.
“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here.
“But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into. Infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray.”
Glen Hansard
Glen Hansard (L) and Marketa Irglova hold the Oscar they won for Best Achievement in Music (Original Song) for “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once” at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on February 24, 2008. Hansard, who starred in the film and who is the lead singer of Irish alt-rock band The Frames, died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle accident on July 29. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
