Donte Whitner Thinks Two Former Teammates May Hold Answers in Aldon Smith Death

Donte Whitner has publicly challenged the narrative surrounding Aldon Smith's death and says Smith's family deserves additional answers. Remarks made by the former San Francisco 49ers safety have shifted focus toward communications he received within hours of his teammate's passing.

Aldon Smith, 36, was found unresponsive on June 13 inside a vehicle owned by Amir Shirazi. According to NBC Sports, Smith's family has retained attorneys while authorities await toxicology findings and other medical results.

No official cause of death has been released. Early findings reportedly revealed no obvious signs of foul play.

Whitner detailed his concerns during an appearance on The Grit Code Podcast. He said text messages, phone calls and FaceTime communications from former teammates began arriving almost immediately after news of Smith's death spread.

One message stood apart from the others. Whitner said information contained in that communication convinced him additional facts still need to be uncovered.

Names also entered the discussion. Whitner urged Smith's relatives and legal representatives to seek information from two former teammates he believes could help fill gaps in what occurred before Smith was found unresponsive.

Shirazi has publicly described Smith's final day. He said the pair delivered pizzas to a homeless charity, completed errands and later returned to his residence.

Another individual present during the charity stop recalled that Smith appeared lethargic. Shirazi, however, said Smith looked fine roughly an hour before he was discovered slumped inside the vehicle.

Less than an hour separates the last reported sighting of Smith in good condition from the discovery of his body. Shirazi told reporters he entered the residence briefly before returning and finding Smith unresponsive.

Football fans remember Smith as one of the league's most explosive pass rushers. Forty-two sacks during his first three seasons placed him among the NFL's brightest young defensive stars.

Quarterbacks once struggled to escape him. Later headlines focused more on arrests and suspensions than sack totals.

Days before his death, Smith spoke openly about difficult chapters in his life during a podcast appearance. He discussed battles he had fought for years and efforts he was making to move forward.

Toxicology findings have not yet been released. Attorneys retained by Smith's family are conducting their own examination while medical investigators continue their work.