Alphonso Smith, former NFL and Wake Forest star, dead at 40

Former NFL defensive back and Wake Forest standout Alphonso Smith has died at the age of 40.

Wake Forest University announced Smith's death on Thursday after being informed by his family. The university did not provide a cause of death.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office told The Associated Press that deputies responded to an address in Pahokee, Florida, on Wednesday afternoon “in reference to a suicide attempt.”

“An adult male was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,” the sheriff's office said.

Smith appeared to post about his mental health struggles on Facebook on Wednesday, apologising to his family and asking for forgiveness.

Denver selected Smith in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft after his standout college career at Wake Forest.

He played 15 games for the Broncos before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2010.

Smith went on to play 33 games for Detroit over three seasons, including 11 starts, recording eight interceptions and returning two for touchdowns.

Smith was named a first-team AP All-American in 2008 and third-team All-American in 2007.

After his NFL career, Smith worked in coaching and served as a sideline reporter for Wake Forest football.