Suspect arrested in shooting death of former Saints player Will Smith

NEW ORLEANS, April 10 (UPI) -- Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot and killed late Saturday night in a suspected road rage incident.

Smith, 34, and his wife were traveling in the Lower Garden District when their Mercedes SUV was rear ended by a Hummer. The collision caused Smith's SUV to hit another vehicle. Smith and the Hummer driver "exchanged words," police said. Smith "multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg," New Orleans police spokesman Juan Barnes said.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife was taken to a local hospital. The alleged shooter has been taken into custody. No further details were immediately available.

Sunday morning, police arrested Cardell Hayes, 28, on a charge of second-degree murder in the shooting

Smith was a first-round draft pick in 2004 out of Ohio State and played his entire nine-year career with the Saints. He was a member of the 2009 Super Bowl team. In 2012, he played his last regular season NFL game.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel called Smith's death "a senseless and tragic loss."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Will Smith - his wife Racquel - his children William, Wynter and Lisa," he said on Twitter.

Players took to social media to express their grief.

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) April 10, 2016

Devastated. Lord please be with the Smith family at this tragic time. Nonsense man...

— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) April 10, 2016

Can't stop crying....

I miss you brother...

— Bobby McCray (@bobbymccray) April 10, 2016