Former NFL Player Will Smith Killed in Road Rage Shooting

VOA News
10 April 2016

Former National Football League player Will Smith was shot and killed following a minor car accident in Louisiana Saturday night.

Police said Smith, a former defensive end with the New Orleans Saints, was driving late Saturday through New Orleans' Lower Garden District when his vehicle was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Cardell Haynes.

The collison caused Smith's car to hit a vehicle in front of him.

Police say after the accident Smith, 34, exchanged words with Haynes, who took out a gun and shot both Smith and his wife, Racquel, several times.

Smith died at the scene while his wife was hospitalized with injuries.

Police said the suspect was arrested after the shooting and is being charged with second-degree murder.

The Saints head coach Sean Payton described his death as "senseless"

Smith spent nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints, serving as a defensive captain when the club won its only Super Bowl in 2009. He last played in an NFL regular season game in 2012.