Former Saints star Will Smith shot dead after car crash; suspect in custody

Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot and killed in New Orleans late Saturday night.

Smith, 34, was fatally shot while inside his car near the intersection of Sophie Wright and Felicity Streets in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans. Smith's wife, Racquel, was also in the vehicle and was shot twice in the leg, according to police. She has been taken to hospital.

The incident appears to be a case of road rage, according to police:

The 34-year-old male’s victim’s vehicle was traveling eastbound on Sophie Wright Place when his vehicle was hit in the rear by a Hummer H2. The collision caused the victim’s Mercedes G63 SUV to strike the rear of a Chevrolet Impala who was traveling along with the victim. The male victim and the driver of the Hummer exchanged words at which time the driver of the Hummer produced a handgun and shot the male victim multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg. The male victim was pronounce dead on the scene. The female victim was transported to a local hospital. The 30-year-old driver of the Hummer is in custody and being interviewed by police. The gun used has been recovered.

The suspect has been identified as Cardell Hayes, 28, whom the police announced Sunday has been charged with second-degree murder.

A first-round pick out of Ohio State, Smith played for the Saints from 2004-2013. He missed the entire 2013 season due to a torn ACL, and while he signed with the New England Patriots for the 2014 season, he was released during training camp. He was also a member of the Buckeyes squad that won the national championship in 2002 and was a first-team All-American while at Ohio State.

Smith appeared in 139 games during his NFL career, recording 459 tackles, 67.5 sacks, and 20 forced fumbles. He made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and was a key part of the 2010 Saints team that captured Super Bowl XLIV.