Saturday, April 9 Will Smith, former defensive end for the New Orleans Saints NFL team, was shot to death by Cardell Hayes. After rear-ending Smith’s Mercedes with his Hummer, Hayes engaged in a heated argument with Smith resulting in gunfire. According to police, Hayes shot and killed Smith and shot Smith’s wife Racquel who was taken to the hospital with a leg wound. Hayes has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. An investigation is ensuing, but it is still unclear whether or not Smith and Hayes knew each other prior to the incident. Police have no information linking this death to anything other than the dispute following the accident. Good news from the hospital attending to Racquel reports that she is out of surgery and recovering well.

Smith will truly be missed by his family and the entire NFL community, especially New Orleans. He was not only a loving father and husband, but also an incredibly talented football player. Smith attended Ohio State University where he won a national championship in 2002. His success didn’t stop in college though, for he was drafted by the Saints in 2004 and went on to play 10 years with them. In fact, he was part of the 2010 team that beat the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Smith ranks fourth among the Saints’ all-time sack leaders and is considered one of the franchise’s great defensive players. Saints owner Tom Benson spoke on the tragedy stating, “Will was more than an exceptional football player. He was a father, a husband, a son, a brother and teammate to so many and an inspiration to countless more.” Will Smith’s death was a horrible heartbreak and he will be missed by all.