Sad news out of New Orleans.
Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot and killed last night in New Orleans following a traffic collision in the Lower Garden District.
According to police reports, Smith’s Mercedes SUV was rear-ended by a Hummer and Smith and the other driver got into a verbal altercation that ended in gunfire, when the driver shot smith multiple times. His wife Raquel, who was with him at the time of the accident, was also shot twice in the leg. She was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover, but Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The gun used in the incident was recovered, and the driver who shot Smith is in police custody, but has not been identified at this time. Smith and his wife were attending the French Quarter Fest at the time of the incident.
Smith is survived by his wife and three children. Smith was a key player in the Saints’ 2010 Super Bowl win and there has been an outpouring of sadness and support from fans on social media.
In an official statement the Smith family says they are “thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers.” While former saints head coach Sean Payton has called Smith’s death “senseless.” Condolences to the Smith family.