By Emilie Weinbeck, Features Assignment Editor
Since its original air date on Sept. 10, 1984, “Jeopardy!” has seen lots of young talent cross its stage over the years. Some of that young talent has won big, and later became champions of “Jeopardy!,” most notably interim host Ken Jennings. Unfortunately, as sometimes seen in the world of pop culture, young talent gets taken too soon.
On Feb. 5, five time “Jeopardy!” champion Brayden Smith passed away unexpectedly following complications from surgery. Smith was just 24-yearsold and was known as “Alex’s Last Great Champion” to fans online.
Debbie Smith, Brayden’s mother, took to Twitter after her son’s death to thank “Jeopardy!” for letting Brayden live out his dream.
“Jeopardy!” also took to Twitter saying “The JEOPARDY! Family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Smith. He was kind, funny and absolutely brilliant, our deepest condolences go out to Smith’s family. He will be missed.”
Smith was seen in some of Alex Trebek’s final episodes before the beloved host passed away in November after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. It was clear throughout Smith’s time on the show that he and Trebek had a chemistry that fans enjoyed watching.
Many fans called Smith charming, funny, quirky, brilliant and fun as they sent their condolences to his family on social media.
Smith had plans to go to law school after graduating from University of Nevada last year and was looking forward to competing in the show’s “Tournament of Champions” this year. He loved movies, sports and playing the saxophone.
Smith leaves behind his parents and three brothers, along with all his adoring “Jeopardy!” fans. His obituary describes him as a “lover of knowledge and an advocate for justice.”
During his run on the show Smith earned more than $115,000 which his family started a memorial fund in his name with and it is dedicated to “furthering the education aspirations of southern Nevada students.”
Funds will go to support scholarship awards, seminar tuitions, research grants, conference fees and more.
At the end of this week, Ken Jennings will be stepping down as host, and executive producer of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” Mike Richards, will be hosting from Feb. 22 through March 5.
The dates for the other guest hosts have not yet been announced, but they have released the list of the hosts. Aaron Rodgers, Katie Couric, Savannah Guthrie, Anderson Cooper, Mayim Bialik, Bill Whitaker, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. Mehmet Oz are all set to appear as guest hosts throughout the year.
weinbeec20@bonaventure.edu
