Will Smith (1981-2016)
Hours after Will Smith and his wife Racquel were at a city festival celebrating, a tragic accident happened. Former defensive-end for the New Orleans Saints was shot dead, and his wife was hospitalized.
The couple was leaving dinner, and ten blocks later their relaxing night turned devastating. Cardell Hayes was charged with second degree murder for the killing of Will Smith. Questions have risen about whether the issue regarding Cardell’s father being killed by the police had any connection to the Saturday evening shooting.
New Orleans police chief stated that they had no information on if the victim and the shooter knew each other.
Smith posted a picture of him and his wife on Instagram with a caption of “Having a blast at the #fqf2016”. They were enjoying a night at the french quarter, in the famed New Orleans Districtfest. Shortly after the post, they went to dinner at the Sake Cafe. They were having a good time with friends and former teammates. The restaurant's general manager Dave Matherne said, “You could hear them laughing at the table, it seemed they were having a really good time." Smith and his wife’s night turned from fun to deadly in a matter of minutes.
According to reports, Hayes rear ended the Mercedes Smith was driving. A police statement stated, “At some point, the ... driver of the Hummer and Smith exchanged words, The ... male driver produced a handgun and shot Smith multiple times, the female victim was also shot to the leg."
Eyewitness Janis Baehr said she heard Racquel screaming out, “Please, God, somebody, please help me!" She proceeded to lay with her on the sidewalk, then she began to pray with her. Racquel was asking repeatedly where her husband was. Hayes had another male passenger in the car with him who was unidentified. The area the crime took place is a very low crime neighborhood. It has many historic homes and it is a gathering spot of mardi gras. This murder took many by surprise because it escalated very quickly.
Smith was a power on the field, a father of three. At only 34 he achieved so much. Smith was born in Queens, New York. He attended The Ohio State University where he helped win a national championship in 2002. Smith was the 18th pick in the 2004 draft. He later went to play 10 seasons with the Saints. He was a member of the 2010 team that beat the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints put out a statement back in 2014 calling Smith, "a force on the football field, a team and locker room leader both on and off it as a defensive team captain." The owner of the Saints, Tom Benson, released this statement after the death of a former player, "We are devastated and saddened by Smith’s tragic and preventable death due to a senseless act that will leave a lasting scar on our community forever. Smith 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."
Many are mourning the loss of Will Smith and are devastated by this accident. Friends, family, and teammates, all are expressing their love for him on social media and paying support to his family. This just shows you never know when your last moments here are, and it’s important to cherish every day. Tragedy can happen to even the best of us.
