Former New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith fatally shot

Former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith was fatally shot in the Lower Garden District late Saturday, a law enforcement source confirmed to The Advocate. His wife was wounded, and a 30-year-old man who has not been identified is in custody following what appeared to be a deadly road-rage incident.

Smith, 34, died after being shot about 11:30 p.m. near the corner of Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street, the source said.

Authorities haven't officially released Smith's name; however, from information published by the police, it appears Smith was driving east on Sophie Wright Place when his Mercedes G63 SUV was struck from behind by a Hummer H2. That collision caused the Mercedes to strike the rear of a Chevrolet Impala which was traveling with Smith.

Smith and the driver of the Hummer apparently exchanged words. The driver of the Hummer then produced a handgun and shot Smith multiple times. Smith's wife was shot twice in the right leg.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife was taken to University Medical Center for treatment.

The driver of the Hummer was being interviewed by police early Sunday, and officers had recovered the gun used in the deadly shooting.

No other information was immediately available.

The Saints drafted Smith in the first-round of the 2004 NFL draft. He led New Orleans in sacks in 2005, '06, '07 and '09, and in that last year he helped the team win its lone Super Bowl.

He did not play in another NFL game after tearing a knee ligament in an exhibition in 2013.

Smith leaves behind at least three children.

For more, visit TheAdvocate.com.

This story was originally published April 10, 2016 at 2:09 AM with the headline "Former New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith fatally shot ."