3. Bubba Smith, 1945-2011
At 6-foot-7, Bubba Smith was a towering presence in Police Academy films and in the NFL. At age 66, Smith died from an overdose of phentermine, a prescription strength diet pill. The L.A. County Coroner reported that Bubba died from “acute phentermine intoxication.” Other factors contributing to his demise were heart disease and high blood pressure.
