On March 25, 2025, the Super Smash Bros. Melee community lost one of its brightest stars. Abdulaziz “Hax$” Al-Yami, a 30-year-old professional player from Manhattan, passed away at 7:09 a.m. after a long and heartbreaking struggle with mental health issues.
His death has left his mother, fans, and the gaming world suffering the loss of a talent whose legacy will echo through the community for years to come.
Hax$ was known as arguably the strongest Captain Falcon player in the world, and he brought a unique flair to Super Smash Bros. Melee.
His playstyle was a masterclass in precision and aggression. He built on the deadly combos of Falcon mains before him while adding his own superior twist.
For years, he overwhelmed spectators at tournaments, earning admiration for his skill and his unforgettable personality.
But Abdulaziz was fighting a battle far more challenging behind the controller than any match on the screen.
Abdulaziz’s Mental Health Challenges Came To A Devastating Peak When He Attempted Suicide By Jumping In Front Of A Moving Train
Miraculously, he survived, but the incident cost him his leg. The amputation brought severe health complications that plagued him in the years that followed.
Though the exact cause of his death remains unclear, it’s possible these complications played a role in his passing.
By 2024, his health had noticeably declined, and in early 2025, he was hospitalized. He spent his final days in the ICU, fighting for his life.
The gaming community rallied around him during this time.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched with a goal of $65,000 to cover his medical expenses. By his passing, it had raised $46,000, proof of the love and support he inspired.
But despite the efforts of his loved ones and fans, Hax$ couldn’t hold on.
Hax$’s tournament career had already faced its challenges years before his health declined.
In June 2021, he uploaded a 2.5-hour video titled “Evidence.Zip” alongside a 136-page document.
In it, he made serious accusations against William “Leffen” Hjelte, one of Melee’s greatest players.
The fallout was immediate and severe. Tournament organizers deemed the content to be inciting harassment and defamation, violating rules 2.2.1 and 2.2.3 of the SSB Code of Conduct Panel.
As a result, Hax$ was indefinitely banned from tournaments and majors.
He was partially unbanned a year later but still excluded from most major events.
He remained undeterred and decided to double down on his stance by releasing two additional videos that reiterated his claims.
This led to a permanent ban, effectively ending his competitive career. For someone who lived and breathed Melee, the loss of that community hit hard.
He tweeted on March 18, just a week before his death.
I need the Melee community back by my side. I miss my friends so much and can’t go on like this.
— Hax$ (@ssbmhax) March 18, 2025
I’m sorry to all of you for what I did. all I want is to return to the community I once called home.
It was a heartfelt, desperate plea from a man who felt disconnected from the world he cherished.
Beyond His Skills, Hax$ Was Remembered For His Heart
The 4D, a fellow community member, shared a touching memory:
“I’ll never forget the first time we met, Hax. I ordered replacement cords for my B0XX… and you literally got on the train to bring them to me! We ended up standing out in the street next to the subway, talking for like an hour or two…. Rest In Paradise Abdulaziz Al-Yami 🙏”
Via Twitter
Stories like these paint a fuller picture of him, not just a competitor but a friend who went out of his way for others.
Fans flooded social media with tributes after his passing. One wrote,
“Rest in peace Abdulaziz “Hax$” Al-Yami. You were such a talented and legendary player, your achievements, influence and legacy will not be forgotten, nor will your unique personality. You deserved so much better from so many but at least you’re not suffering anymore.”
Via Twitter
Another, Pog Man, added,
Rest in peace Abdulaziz Al-Yami, HAX$. You're in a better place now, friend. You didn't deserve the suffering you endured in the end. I'm sorry
— Pog man (@jolicorp) March 26, 2025
Hax$’s death has sparked conversations about mental health in the gaming world.
The pressures of competition, the sting of isolation, and the lack of support systems can wear down even the strongest players.
Abdulaziz’s story is a painful reminder that there are real people with real struggles behind the flashy combos and cheering crowds.
His mother, now left to mourn her son, has the sympathy of a community that wishes it could have done more.
Smash Bros Melee pro Hax$ is dead at age 30
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) March 25, 2025
He was known as one of the best Fox players in the world before he was banned from most Melee tournaments pic.twitter.com/upvgVCRjI1
Hax$ may be gone, but his influence endures through the matches he dominated, the friendships he built, and the conversations his passing has ignited.
Rest in peace, Abdulaziz “Hax$” Al-Yami. You’ll always be a legend in the Super Smash Bros. Melee universe.
