Sad news to report out of New Orleans. Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was killed Saturday night following an argument that stemmed from a traffic accident.
Per reports, around 11:30 p.m. a three-car accident happened near Sophie Wright Place. A Hummer H2 rear-ended Smith’s Mercedes-Benz SUV which caused Smith’s car to rear-end the Chevy Impala driven by one of his friends.
Photo: Former #Saint Pierre Thomas distraught at scene of Will Smith’s murder on #NewOrleans pic.twitter.com/3BbaEYI1lX
— Michael DeMocker (@MichaelDeMocker) April 10, 2016
Smith, 34, and the driver of the Hummer “exchanged words” before the driver of the Hummer pulled out a gun and shot Smith multiple times. He died at the scene. Smith’s wife, Raquel was also shot twice in the leg per police said.
Police moving now, allowing coroner van to back in #WillSmith shooting pic.twitter.com/fMQ9Wpo6lm
— Lyons Yellin WWL-TV (@LyonsYellin) April 10, 2016
New Orleans police booked 28-year-old Cardell “Bear” Hayes, 28, with second-degree murder on Sunday morning, according to The Advocate. Hayes played for the New Orleans VooDoo arena football team in 2013. He was previously arrested in August 2010 for a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon plus possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of codeine.
Cardell Hayes, charged in Will Smith shooting, was New Orleans prep football star https://t.co/SqVzPaLhDq pic.twitter.com/uRd1QdH6nj
— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) April 10, 2016
In June 2012 he pleaded guilty to a weapons and codeine charges, and received a 5-year prison sentence that was immediately suspended. He withdrew the plea a month later. In January 2014 he pleaded guilty to a reduced weapons charge and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced to six months probation.
Police statement on Will Smith murder. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/RTFpku3pgA
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) April 10, 2016
Smith spent 10 years with the New Orleans Saints and was a starter on the Super Bowl XLIV championship team. He also won a national championship at Ohio State and was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft. Will and Raquel married in 2008. He leaves behind three children, Wynter Chase Smith, William J. Smith, and Lisa Mya Smith.
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
