Former Saints Player Will Smith Shot and Killed Following Car Accident in New Orleans

Ex-Saints player Will Smith killed in New Orleans following alleged road rage incident.

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Former Saints defensive end Will Smith, 34, was shot and killed in New Orleans on Saturday night during a dispute that took place following a car accident. Smith’s wife Racquel, 34, was also shot twice in the right leg during the shooting but was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.

According to reports, Smith was driving a Mercedes G63 late Saturday when he was rear-ended by a Hummer H2. The collision reportedly caused Smith's vehicle to hit a Chevrolet Impala that was in front of him and carrying two of his friends. After the accident took place, Smith reportedly exchanged words with the driver of the Hummer, and at some point, the unidentified 30-year-old man who was driving the Hummer pulled out a gun and shot Smith multiple times. Police placed the driver of the Hummer into custody after the incident, and they reportedly recovered the gun that was used during the shooting at the scene of the alleged crime.

Saints senior VP of communications Greg Bensel confirmed Smith’s death by sending out this tweet early this morning:

Saints coach Sean Payton sent this out as well:

And many of Smith’s former New Orleans teammates and fellow NFL players reacted to his death on Twitter:

Smith was selected 18th overall by the Saints in the 2004 NFL Draft after a successful career at Ohio State. He spent his entire NFL career playing in New Orleans, won Super Bowl XLIV with the team in 2010, and retired in 2012.

Stay tuned for additional details regarding this terrible tragedy.

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[via ESPN]

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