Former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Will Smith has tragically lost his life in possibly the most senseless way possible last night. In the early hours Sunday morning, Will Smith was shot and killed after he was involved right in the middle of a rearending accident.
Following from Wilbon P. Nobles of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Will Smith, the former Saints defensive end, was killed and his wife was wounded in a late-night shooting in New Orleans on Saturday (April 9), authorities said.
Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Rouse confirmed Smith was the fatal victim in the incident. Police said Smith’s wife was wounded and was taken to a hospital. The shooter is being questioned, police said.
The double shooting took place around 11:29 p.m., near the intersection of Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street in the Lower Garden District, NOPD said.
Police said Smith, 34, and his wife, Racquel, were traveling eastbound on Sophie Wright Place when their Mercedes Benz SUV was rear-ended by a Hummer H2. The collision caused the Smith’s vehicle to hit a Chevrolet Impala traveling along the same street.
Smith and the driver of the Hummer “exchanged words, at which time the driver of the Hummer produced a handgun and shot the male victim (Smith) multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg,” said NOPD spokesman Juan Barnes.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Racquel Smith was transported to a hospital, authorities said. Police said the 30-year-old driver of the Hummer is in custody and being interviewed by investigators. The gun used in the shooting has been recovered.
Saints owner Tom Benson said the following in a statement.
“We are devastated and saddened by Will’s tragic and preventable death due to a senseless act that will leave a lasting scar on our community forever,” Saints owner Tom Benson said in a statement. “Will was more than an exceptional football player he was a father, a husband, a son, a brother and teammate to so many and an inspiration to countless more. He will be greatly missed by all those he touched and impacted both on and off the football field and his legacy will continue to shine. The Saints family is hurting and devastated as it has lost a member too young and too soon.”
Smith is survived by his wife and their three children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith and Saints family.
