Billy Ray Smith death details: Why family of former Chargers LB is citing CTE as reason for passing

The family of Chargers LB Billy Ray Smith claims CTE played a role in his death at age 64.

Smith was named to the Chargers' 50th Anniversary Team and was a two-time first-team All-American at Arkansas.

Focus On Sport / Getty Images College Football Hall of Famer and San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died at the age of 64. His family said in a statement that he “passed away peacefully surrounded by family.” “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopa

Family syas Smith faced ‘dementia caused by CTE’ College Football Hall of Famer played 10 NFL seasons Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and college football hall of famer Billy Ray Smith Jr has died. He was 64. Smith’s family said in a statement Wednesday that Smith died following a bout with CTE-caused dementia.

Former San Diego Chargers defender Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died after a battle with dementia, his family announced. Smith's family also cited CTE.

Billy Ray Smith Jr., the former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer, died at 64 after struggling with dementia caused by CTE. Here's everything to know about his life, from his childhood in Arkansas and standout college career to his decade in the NFL, his broadcasting journey, his wife, Ki

Smith's family said he was dealing with CTE-caused dementia.

College Football Hall of Famer and longtime Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. died at 64 Wednesday, his family announced in a statement.

Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64, family announces  Toronto Star

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and college football hall of famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died

An All-Pro linebacker who spent 10 seasons in the NFL and remained a fixture in San Diego as a Chargers analyst died at 64.