Former New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith Shot To Death In Road Rage Incident

Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot to death following a traffic accident in New Orleans on Saturday night. Smith and his wife were traveling in a Mercedes Benz SUV when they were rear-ended by a Hummer H2 which caused Smith’s vehicle to hit a Chevrolet Impala.

Smith and the driver of the Hummer “exchanged words, at which time the driver of the Hummer produced a handgun and shot the male victim (Smith) multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg,” said NOPD spokesman Juan Barnes.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene while his wife was transported to the hospital in an ambulance. The 30-year-old alleged shooter is in custody and the handgun used in the crime was recovered by police.

The former Ohio State star was drafted No. 18 overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Saints. Smith finished his career with 67.5 sacks, good for fourth in franchise history, and he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006.

Many of his former teammates took to Twitter to express their sadness and disbelief:

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