Will Smith and his wife Racquel were victims of a road rage shooting in New Orleans Saturday, April 9
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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith was shot and killed Saturday after a traffic accident.
An emailed statement from New Orleans city coroner Jeffrey C. Rouse said that Smith died "of multiple gunshot wounds" after a traffic accident in the city's Lower Garden District. The former defensive end was 34 years old.
A tweet from the verified account of Greg Bensel, Saints vice president of communications and broadcasting, expressed condolences to Smith's family.
A senseless and tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Will Smith - his wife Racquel - his children William, Wynter and Lisa.
— Greg Bensel (@GregBensel) April 10, 2016
these senseless killings in our city MUST STOP- let's all rally now in earnest in Will Smith's honor & in his name to do something tangible
— Greg Bensel (@GregBensel) April 10, 2016
Smith appeared to be the victim of a road rage accident.
Police statement on Will Smith murder. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/RTFpku3pgA
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) April 10, 2016
At some point in the ensuing incident, Smith and the driver of the Hummer exchanged words, police said. The driver of the Hummer pulled out a gun and shot Smith multiple times, the police said. He also shot Smith's wife, who was traveling with him. She was taken to a local hospital.
Police said they arrived on the scene at around 11:29 p.m. and found Smith in the middle of the street, partially inside his vehicle. He died on the scene, they said.
Police said the 30-year-old driver of the Hummer was taken into custody and was being interviewed by detectives; the weapon used in the shooting was also recovered, police said.
Smith, native of Queens, New York, played for Ohio State's 2002 national championship team and was a first-round draft choice by New Orleans in 2004.
He led the Saints with a career-high 13 sacks in 2009, when the club won its only Super Bowl.
He last played in an NFL regular season game in 2012, finishing his career with 67 ½ sacks.
Wowwwwww R.I.P. #WILLSMITH God Bless his kids don't wish that on anyone man wtf LIFE IS SHORT MAN #PRAYEVERYDAY
— Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 10, 2016
RIP Will Smith #Saints its sad man that's two brothers lost this year.
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) April 10, 2016
RIP WILL SMITH.. #NewOrleans
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 10, 2016
Heavy Hearts w the senseless passing of our Team Capt. Will Smith. Pray for his wife's recovery and their children. pic.twitter.com/VomR0Sut6M
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) April 10, 2016
Were praying for the Smith family. I'm hurt to hear about this news. This man had a beautiful family. His life taken away for nothing
— Jermon Bushrod (@j_bushrod7475) April 10, 2016
Devastated. Lord please be with the Smith family at this tragic time. Nonsense man...
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) April 10, 2016
Can't stop crying....
— Bobby McCray (@bobbymccray) April 10, 2016
I miss you brother...
I just can't believe this.... absolutely senseless
— Chester M. Pitts II (@ChesterPitts) April 10, 2016
RIP Will Smith
Please be safe, you just never know#RIPWillSmith
During the 2013 preseason, a knee injury forced him onto injured reserve. He was signed in the 2014 offseason by New England but did not make the Patriots' regular season roster.
After football, he settled in Louisiana, his wife's native state. His shooting came during the weekend of the French Quarter festival, a popular festival featuring local music and food.
Smith leaves behind his wife, Racquel, and three children.
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