Super Bowl Winner Will Smith Shot, Killed in New Orleans; Suspect Arrested

A man was arrested Sunday in the shooting death of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who helped the team win Super Bowl XLIV, its only championship.

Smith was rear ended while driving in New Orleans's Lower Garden District on Saturday night, causing him to hit a vehicle in front of him, police said. The driver of the vehicle that hit Smith, identified by police as Cardell Hayes, "exchanged words" with the former football player after the crash.

Hayes, 28, then drew a handgun and shot Smith several times, police said. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Smith's wife was also shot and transported to a local hospital. Police said her injuries were non-life-threatening.

Two acquaintances of Smith's witnessed the shooting. Police did not immediately identify them.

Police had no information leading them to believe that Smith and Hayes knew each other prior to the shooting, said New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison. A handgun was recovered from the area.

Smith, who was 34, was drafted by the Saints in 2004 and spent all nine of his seasons with the team. He last played in 2012.

A statement on behalf of Smith's family said they were "thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers." Saints head coach Sean Payton and former Saints player Deuce McAllister both called his death "senseless."

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) 10 апреля 2016 г.

Pray for my friend's family, pray for his teammates. So senseless.
Rest in peace Will

— deuce mcallister (@dmcallister26) 10 апреля 2016 г.

Other Saints players, including Nathan Stupar and Cameron Jordan, also offered their condolences.

My prayers go out to the Smith family #RIPWillSmith

— Nathan Stupar (@thenastynate54) 10 апреля 2016 г.

Woke up an Can't make sense of this senseless killing of Will Smith, Lord please watch over the Smith family and give them strength.

— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) 10 апреля 2016 г.

The Saints' Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel called for the end of all "senseless killings" in New Orleans.

these senseless killings in our city MUST STOP- let's all rally now in earnest in Will Smith's honor & in his name to do something tangible

— Greg Bensel (@GregBensel) 10 апреля 2016 г.

"I am shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. "My thoughts and prayers are with Will's family and those who loved him dearly.

"The senseless acts of violence have to stop," he continued. "Traffic accidents should not lead to someone losing their life."