Saints owner Tom Benson, his wife Gayle and the organization released a statement on the team’s official website:
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. 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.
Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton and running back Mark Ingram, along with former Saints offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, released statements on Twitter:
Statement from Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis:
Heavy Hearts w the senseless passing of our Team Capt. Will Smith. Pray for his wife’s recovery and their children.
Devastated. Lord please be with the Smith family at this tragic time. Nonsense man…
Were praying for the Smith family. I’m hurt to hear about this news. This man had a beautiful family. His life taken away for nothing
Smith, who played all nine of his NFL seasons with the Saints, logged 67.5 sacks in his career, was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and played on the Super Bowl XLIV championship team.
CNN.com’s Joshua Berlinger and Joe Sutton noted that “Smith’s foundation, Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way, helped to serve high school athletes in his hometown Utica, New York. He also sat on the advisory board of The Artists and Athletes Alliance.”
Smith was the No. 18 overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft and played college football at Ohio State.
Article Appeared @http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2631727-will-smith-former-saints-de-killed-in-new-orleans-shooting-at-age-34