Former Ohio State and Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot and killed Saturday night in an apparent road rage incident following a traffic accident in New Orleans.
According to the Associated Press, Smith died of multiple gunshot wounds. Smith was 34.
Smith's wife Racquel was riding with him and was shot in the leg. She was taken to a local hospital, according to the AP. The couple have three children.
Smith posted a photo of himself and Racquel on his Instagram account hours before his death with the caption, "Having a blast at the #fqf2016," in reference to the city's French Quarter Fest.
According to a police statement posted on the WWL-TV CBS 4 website, Smith was driving a Mercedes SUV in the Lower Garden District when it was hit from behind by an orange Hummer H2. That forced Smith's vehicle to strike a gray Chevrolet Impala in front of him that was carrying two of Smith's acquaintances.
The statement said Smith and the driver of the Hummer exchanged words, then the driver of the Hummer pulled out a gun.
According to the police statement, officers arrived at about 11:29 p.m. and found Smith in the middle of the street, partially inside his Mercedes. He died at the scene.
The New Orleans police posted on its Twitter account @NOPDNews that Cardell Hayes, 28, had been arrested and charged with second degree murder in Smith's death. Its previous statement said the firearm was also recovered.
A native of Queens, N.Y., Smith was a member of Ohio State's 2002 national championship team and a Buckeyes' co-captain in 2003, the year he was selected All-America. He was drafted 18th overall by the Saints in 2004 and played for them through the 2012 season.
Former Buckeyes teammates and coaches expressed their shock on Twitter.
"Love & prayers to the Smith family, Buckeye family & Saints family. Our brother Will -- humble, caring, selfless family man. We love you Will," tweeted Smith's former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, now president of Youngstown State University.
Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio, now coach at Michigan State, said via Twitter, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to former OSU and Saints' Will Smith; his family and teammates. He touched so many lives. Tragic. Shocked."
"I have no words right now. I can't believe this. #RIP," wrote former OSU cornerback Dustin Fox, a Canton GlenOak graduate. Two hours later, Fox added, "I still can't believe this. Unreal. Please pray for Will's family."
Former Ohio State and Browns safety Donte Whitner tweeted, "My heart is broken. R.I.P. to my former teammate and friend Will Smith!!! My condolences goes out to his family! You will be missed." Later Whitner added, "This one really hurts!!!"
Safety Will Allen of the Pittsburgh Steelers tweeted, "My heart and prayers are with @iWillSmith and his family. Life is precious. Stop the violence! Jesus and peace are the answers!!"
Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said via Twitter, "Words can't express how much I will miss my teammate and friend Will Smith! With a heavy heart I'm praying hard for his wife and family..."
Cavaliers star LeBron James, a noted Buckeye fan, also commented on Smith's passing.
"Prayers and condolence sent out to Will Smith #RIP and his beautiful family! So sad man. Good dude he was man!" James tweeted.
Smith, who grew up in Utica, N.Y., graduated from Ohio State in 2005 with a degree in criminology. A three-year starter, he ranked fifth on the Buckeyes' list for tackles for losses (451/2) and sixth in sacks (22).
The Saints won their only Super Bowl in 2009, when Smith started every game. He recorded a career-high 13 sacks and an interception in the regular season and added another interception in the playoffs.
Smith tore his ACL in a preseason game in 2013 and was released by the Saints in a cost-cutting move the following year. He signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots, but did not make the team.
Selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006, Smith finished his NFL career with 67/12 career sacks and 20 forced funbles. According to NFL.com, Smith became the first player in Saints history to force a fumble in five straight games in 2005.
Saints owner Tom Benson and his wife Gayle expressed their emotions in a statement posted on the team's web site.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Will and his wife Racquel, but more importantly with their children, William, Wynter and Lisa who are suffering and just starting to realize and deal with an unimaginable loss,” the Bensons said. “We are devastated and saddened by Will's tragic and preventable death due to a senseless act that will leave a lasting scar on our community forever. 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. He will be greatly missed by all those he touched and impacted both on and off the football field and his legacy will continue to shine. The Saints family is hurting and devastated as it has lost a member too young and too soon.”