Super Smash Bros pro Hax$ dead at age 30

by

The professional Super Smash Bros Melee player, HAX$, tragically passed away at the age of 30 following a prolonged battle with his mental health. This struggle was partly fueled by the fact that he was barred from participating in most Melee tournaments.

In August of 2024, he made an attempt on his life by stepping in front of an oncoming train. Unfortunately, this action led to the loss of his right leg and left him with persistent health issues stemming from those injuries. Despite surviving the ordeal, he continued to grapple with complications related to these injuries.

I’m still in the dark about the specific reason behind Abdulaziz ‘Hax$’ Al-Yami’s passing, but on March 25, 2025, his family officially confirmed his death to me.

HAX$ condition revealed in his family’s GoFundMe

There was a misunderstanding concerning Al-Yami’s condition, as some of his friends inadvertently set up a GoFundMe in his name, believing he wouldn’t make it through the night. Contrarily, he managed to hold on for a while and lived with life support assistance.

I’m deeply saddened because Abdulaziz is critically ill and requires our assistance. If you can find it in your heart to support his family during this incredibly difficult period, your help would be greatly appreciated. Even the smallest contributions make a difference. Spread the word and donate if you can. ♥

— Hax$ (@ssbmhax) March 24, 2025

Before he passed away, his final two tweets offered insights into his thoughts at the time. One tweet posted on March 14, 2025 read, “I deeply miss the Melee community.” This indicates a strong affection for that particular group or activity before his death.

A message from March 18, 2025 reads: “I’m reaching out to the Melee community again. The absence of my old friends has been unbearable, and I’m struggling. I apologize for any past actions that may have caused distress. I yearn to rejoin the community I used to call home.

His passing has ignited a significant amount of debate within the Melee community, causing some individuals to express animosity towards the tournament organizers and community figures responsible for upholding his permanent ban, whom they accuse of being responsible for this result.

In August, when he made his attempt, Hax shared what thoughts were occupying him at that moment.

He shared that the incident occurred due to his prolonged sense of detachment from his community over the past two decades. It’s crucial to note that this event was entirely unjustified and not the responsibility of any TO or the community as a whole. Instead, it appears to have been an impulsive action driven by feelings of isolation and depression, he explained on December 13, 2024.

I want to take full responsibility for what happened and assure everyone that since then, my life has been on an incredibly uplifting journey. Following the incident, I made a commitment to better my circumstances. I’ve been actively seeking help from mental health experts, attending therapy sessions, and prioritizing both my mental and physical well-being in recovery.

Besides maintaining the backing of fellow Melee community members, it was also confirmed that another prominent figure, Smash pro HungryBox, hastily booked a flight to visit Hax$, immediately upon hearing about his health status. Regrettably, by the time HungryBox arrived, he learned that Hax$ had tragically passed away during the same flight.

Despite my intention to maintain privacy, I found myself unexpectedly arriving in New York mere moments ago, bound for Hax’s hospital room. Tragically, he passed away as I was en route in the air. I’m at a loss for words.

I wished to bid him farewell personally,
I’m truly sorry, Aziz.
Please find peace with us in heaven now.

— hungrybox (@LiquidHbox) March 25, 2025

In simpler terms, renowned Super Smash Bros. player Mew2King, along with other well-known figures in the community such as Jmook, Armada, and Cody Schwab, have both produced a video and a post seeking assistance from their community for a creator and their family.

Why was Hax$ banned from Smash Bros tournaments?

In the tale we’re discussing, Hax$ plays a significant role. However, can you explain why exactly he was forbidden from participating in Super Smash Bros. Melee competitions?

Initially, a top-tier player posted several YouTube videos criticizing a well-known figure in the Melee gaming community, Leffen. This action stirred up tension within the Smash scene. Later, Hax$ took down the videos himself. However, the harm inflicted, along with his behavior following the incident, culminated in a permanent ban. For further details and background information, you can refer to this ruling published on January 28, 2024. You can find it here for added context.

The closing statement of the ruling reads as follows:

Hax’s repeated failure to show enough regret for his actions, his instigation of harassment towards others, and his habit of becoming more aggressive when challenged, even by tournament organizers who have known him for years, makes his involvement in the community detrimental to its well-being. While Hax has not given any indication that his presence at events poses an immediate danger to other players, this is not the only factor leading to a permanent ban.”

This version maintains the original’s meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone.

Playing a video game at a tournament is not something you have a guaranteed claim to, it’s a benefit granted. The people who signed this agreement believe Hax has misused this privilege. His behavior indicates he can’t be relied upon to adhere to the rules of the Melee community and maintain proper conduct.

Almost every major U.S. Melee tournament organizer put their signature on the document, thereby making it highly unlikely that he could take part in most of the events related to the game.

The intention behind this statement was to emphasize the ongoing validity of the ban imposed on him in June 2021, following the public release of his contentious videos. However, despite widespread challenges to his ban right up until his demise, some argued that he had demonstrated growth and understanding from the ban, suggesting he should be readmitted to the community.

Since 2008, I’ve been a devoted Fox main in competitive gaming, racking up nearly $40,000 in winnings before my suspension.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired Fox as a character that truly shines when played by a masterful hand. His demanding nature calls for an extraordinary level of mechanical skill, a level so high that it often sets the tone for the greatest Melee dynasties. In the eyes of many, including myself, Hax$ was undeniably one of those masters who could effortlessly command Fox with unparalleled expertise.

Read More

2025-03-25 18:50