NEW ORLEANS -- Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot to death in New Orleans' Lower Garden District on Saturday night following a minor car crash, the coroner's office confirmed.
Smith, 34, was shot after exchanging words with the driver of a Hummer H2 that rear-ended his Mercedes G63 SUV, causing him to strike another vehicle containing acquaintances of Smith, police said.
Smith was shot multiple times and his wife, Racquel, 33, was shot once in the right leg, according to police. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to New Orleans superintendent of police Michael Harrison.
Smith's family released a statement Sunday morning.
"On behalf of the Smith family, we are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers," the family said. "We ask that you continue to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend."
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...s-saints-player-shot-killed-traffic-collision">http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15174 ... -collision</a><!-- m -->
Smith, 34, was shot after exchanging words with the driver of a Hummer H2 that rear-ended his Mercedes G63 SUV, causing him to strike another vehicle containing acquaintances of Smith, police said.
Smith was shot multiple times and his wife, Racquel, 33, was shot once in the right leg, according to police. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to New Orleans superintendent of police Michael Harrison.
Smith's family released a statement Sunday morning.
"On behalf of the Smith family, we are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers," the family said. "We ask that you continue to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend."
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...s-saints-player-shot-killed-traffic-collision">http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15174 ... -collision</a><!-- m -->