Billy Ray Smith, a former Chargers linebacker who became a San Diego television and radio star following his football career, has died. He was 64.
Smith died following a “long journey with dementia caused by CTE,” his family said in a statement, saying that he faced his diagnosis with “bravery, dignity and strength.”
Smith’s death was announced by KGTV, where Smith worked as sports director starting in 1993 and where his wife, longtime Channel 10 news anchor Kimberly Hunt, is still employed.
“Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend,” the family said. “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.”
This story will be updated.
Related Posts:
- Chargers training camp preview: Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu set for big payday News When the Chargers drafted Tuli Tuipulotu in the second round from USC in 2023, there were reasons to believe it might take some time for him to make an impact on their defense. After all, he was only 20 years old when he became the 54th overall selection in the…
- Chargers training camp preview: Here’s what to watch News The Chargers open training camp Wednesday with renewed hopes, heightened expectations, a revamped offensive line with additional depth, new offensive and defensive coordinators and a sense that anything is possible in Jim Harbaugh’s third season as coach. There also was a feeling among the veterans during spring workouts that back-to-back…
- Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu works out on sideline while awaiting extension News EL SEGUNDO — Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu was the only member of the Chargers who didn’t practice as training camp opened Wednesday, working off to the side with an athletic trainer. Coach Jim Harbaugh said beforehand, “I think so,” when asked if Tuipulotu would practice. However, Tuipulotu is awaiting a…
- DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith’s Relationship Back in Spotlight After WNBA Cheating Scandal Rocks All-Star Weeknd Entertainment <p id="par-1_14">The big drama during the WNBA’s All-Star weekend was apparently happening off the court. </p> <p id="par-2_39">On June 26, the day after the league’s All-Star Game in Chicago, Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington took to <a href="https://www.threads.com/@dijonai/post/DbQF_X8FdcY">Threads</a> to accuse her ex-girlfriend, Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith, of cheating on…
- 'A ray of sunshine with basketballs': WNBA All-Star Weekend lights up Chicago News “Oh, it was beautiful — a ray of sunshine with basketballs,” Lyric Williams said. “I met Rickea Jackson. I saw Paige Bueckers. We took pictures with Flau’jae Johnson.” The 16-year-old Chicagoan described her experience at WNBA Live, the league’s annual fan festival that transformed McCormick Place into a celebration of…
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)