After exchanging words with a driver following a traffic accident, former Saints defensive end Will Smith was tragically shot and killed Saturday night in New Orleans. He was 34 years old. His wife was also shot twice in the right leg, and is now recovering in the hospital.
Smith was reportedly rear-ended and caused to crash into another vehicle. He was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Cardell Hayes, who was the driver of the Hummer involved in the accident, has been charged with second-degree murder. The gun used in the murder has been recovered.
The Smith family released a statement thanking everyone for their support and prayers following the tragedy. Former Saints running back Pierre Thomas, who was out with Smith and his wife, was on the scene following the incident.
The team that drafted Smith 18th overall in 2004 out of Ohio State also confirmed the death via social media. Smith spent all nine seasons of his career with the Saints, but hasn't played since 2012. He was a Pro Bowler in 2006 and ranks fourth in the team's history with 67.5 career sacks.
His best year came in the team's Super Bowl season in 2009, when he recorded 13 sacks. Many of Smith's former teammates, as well as head coach Sean Payton, took to Twitter to express their sadness to the shocking news.
Smith was reportedly rear-ended and caused to crash into another vehicle. He was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Cardell Hayes, who was the driver of the Hummer involved in the accident, has been charged with second-degree murder. The gun used in the murder has been recovered.
The Smith family released a statement thanking everyone for their support and prayers following the tragedy. Former Saints running back Pierre Thomas, who was out with Smith and his wife, was on the scene following the incident.
The team that drafted Smith 18th overall in 2004 out of Ohio State also confirmed the death via social media. Smith spent all nine seasons of his career with the Saints, but hasn't played since 2012. He was a Pro Bowler in 2006 and ranks fourth in the team's history with 67.5 career sacks.
His best year came in the team's Super Bowl season in 2009, when he recorded 13 sacks. Many of Smith's former teammates, as well as head coach Sean Payton, took to Twitter to express their sadness to the shocking news.
