Former New Orleans defensive end Will Smith, 34, was killed in New Orleans' Lower Garden District last night after a traffic accident escalated into a shouting match-turned-shooting last night, according to ESPN. Smith's wife Raquel, 34, was in the vehicle when the incident happened, was shot in the leg, and was taken to the hospital for treatment.Cardell Hayes booked on 2nd-degree murder in former Saint Will Smith's fatal shooting https://t.co/4kMWvJWMwQ pic.twitter.com/pdKfHKDmJn
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) April 10, 2016
New Orleans crime rate dipped overall last year, according to Louisiana Weekly, but the homicide rate rose 14 percent from 2014.Players and coach Saints coach Sean Payton expressed their grief on Twitter in the early hours this morning:#NOPD has arrested Cardell Hayes and booked him with second degree murder in the death of Will Smith. #NOPDResults pic.twitter.com/q5iplmkShK
— NOPD (@NOPDNews) 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
Can't stop crying…. I miss you brother…
— Bobby McCray (@bobbymccray) April 10, 2016
I just can't believe this…. absolutely senseless
RIP Will Smith
Please be safe, you just never know#RIPWillSmith
— Chester M. Pitts II (@ChesterPitts) April 10, 2016
Smith's family, which includes his children William, Wynter and Lisa, issued a statement this morning:"On behalf of the Smith family, we are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers. We ask that you continue to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend."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
This Father's Day, I invite you to be a positive influence + become a mentor http://t.co/E6TMLB7nRG #MyBrothersKeeper pic.twitter.com/YEAHdfOZnV
— Will Smith (@iWillSmith) June 15, 2014