Former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at 40

Alphonso Smith Jr., a former defensive back who spent three seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos, died by suicide on Sept. 2, officials said. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies responded to a call at the 200 block of Shirly Drive in Pahokee around 2:00 p.m. and found an adult male who was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Smith had posted a message on his Facebook account on Sept. 2 that indicated he was struggling with mental health issues. He wrote, "Do not cry for me. I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into me," and concluded with an apology to his family and friends.

The sheriff's office confirmed the death in a statement released on Sept. 3.