Former New Orleans Saints and Ohio State defensive end Will Smith was murdered on Saturday night in New Orleans in an apparent road rage incident. He was 34.
According to reports at the scene, Smith and his wife Racquel had just finished having dinner with friends, a group that included former Saints running back Pierre Thomas. Then, at the intersection of Camp and Felicity in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, Smith and his wife were hit from behind at a stop light by a man driving a Hummer H2, which in turn caused Smith to bump into the car in front of him. The driver of the Hummer got out of his vehicle, heated words were exchanged with Smith, then the driver of the Hummer whipped out a handgun and opened fire.
Let me type more clearly: Hummer rear ended Smith, Smith hit car in front of him. Driver of Hummer got out, exchanged words and then shot
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 10, 2016
Police just updated on #WillSmith here is what was said: pic.twitter.com/GjhjlWMqK6
— Lyons Yellin (@LyonsYellin) April 10, 2016
Update on #WillSmith shooting from police: part 2 pic.twitter.com/plydVHDy69
— Lyons Yellin (@LyonsYellin) April 10, 2016
Photo:
Will Smith 1-hour before being shot & killed, w/Pierre Thomas & former NOPD commander Billy Ceravolo.
So sad. pic.twitter.com/PMFpRm3vOl— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) April 10, 2016
Racquel Smith was reportedly shot twice in the incident and is in critical condition at a New Orleans hospital. The couple had two children together. Smith posted this photo of he and his wife at New Orleans’ annual French Quarter Festival earlier in the day.
Smith registered 67.5 sacks in his 10-year NFL career, including 13 during the Saints 2009 Super Bowl-winning season. He was beloved by teammates and the community in New Orleans, where he and his family remained after his football career ended in 2014.