Smith, 24, was one of the final contestants to play for host Alex Trebek when he appeared on the show in October. During his five-game winning-streak, Smith won nearly $116,000 and had qualified for the show’s Tournament of Champions.
Smith’s family told Las Vegas TV station 8 News Now that he died Feb. 5 after being hospitalized for several days following the operation. The reason for the medical procedure were not disclosed.
