A man was arrested Sunday in the shooting death of former New Orleans Saintsdefensive end Will Smith,who helped the team win Super Bowl XLIV, its only championship.
Smith was rear-ended while driving in New Orleans's Lower Garden District on Saturday night, causing him to hit a vehicle in front of him, police said. The driver of the vehicle that hit Smith, identified by police as Cardell Hayes, "exchanged words" with the former football player after the crash.
Hayes, 28, then drew a handgun and shot Smith several times, police said. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Smith's wife was also shot and transported to a local hospital. Police said her injuries were non-life-threatening.
Two acquaintances of Smith's witnessed the shooting, police said, but did not immediately identify them.
Police had no information leading them to believe that Smith and Hayes knew each other prior to the shooting, New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said. A handgun was recovered from the area.
Smith, who was 34, was drafted by the Saints in 2004 and spent all nine of his seasons with the team. He last played in 2012.
The Saints revealed today that Smith was voted into the Saints Hall of Fame last month. The news would have been made public in May.
Smith posted a photo the day of the shooting, writing "Having a blast" at New Orleans' French Quarter Fest.
A statement on behalf of Smith's family said they were "thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers." Saints head coach Sean Payton and former Saints player Deuce McAllister both called his death "senseless."
Other Saints players, including Nathan Stupar and Cameron Jordan, also offered their condolences.
The Saints' Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel called for the end of all "senseless killings" in New Orleans.
"I am shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. "My thoughts and prayers are with Will's family and those who loved him dearly.
"The senseless acts of violence have to stop," he continued. "Traffic accidents should not lead to someone losing their life."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called it "a tragic loss of life."
"Our thoughts are with Will's wife Racquel and their three children," Goodell said in a statement. "He will be missed by many teammates and friends."

pls say its a lie

pls say its nt true

OP, the title of your post is misleading. You made me believe it was the popular actor, the Will Smith we all know. My heart nearly jumped out of my mouth. Anyway this one is also important. May his soul rest in peace.

halfricanadian:
pls say its a lie

pls say its nt true

Its nt the will smith you know

halfricanadian:
pls say its a lie

pls say its nt true

Lol, its not the famous Actor Will Smith you know.. Thou shall not fear

KingRex1:
Its nt the will smith you know

It stil doesnt matter its a soul dats gone

JuicyGee:

Lol, its not the famous Actor Will Smith you know.. Thou shall not fear

ok

Godyke:
OP, the title of your post is misleading. You made me believe it was the popular actor, the Will Smith we all know. My heart nearly jumped out of my mouth. Anyway this one is also important. May his soul rest in peace.

me too o u need to see how I was shouting now thank goodness I finished reading d post... phew thank God... emm rip to dis other Will Smith

initially I feared it was the actor......but seriously someone would just shoot another because of an argument . what kind of mindless sociopaths are living in that USA self....if it was another country now.....mtcheeeew.....Americans

What a tragic loss!

Many people don't read post before they comment.. Jus take a look at those mumu above me..

chei so one death is less important than the other. this life sha

marveangel:
initially I feared it was the actor......but seriously someone would just shoot another because of an argument . what kind of mindless sociopaths are living in that USA self....if it was another country now.....mtcheeeew.....Americans

Asin ehh! Na wa o.. Sometimes when i watch some of their documentary on tv, i wonder what kind of people they are..