Former NBA player Rasual Butler and singer Leah LaBelle killed in car crash

Jan 31, 2018
Leah LaBelle Rasual Butler theGrio.com
(Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for BET)

Former NBA star Rasual Butler and his wife, singer Leah Labelle, were killed in a car crash early on Wednesday morning.

According to TMZ Sports, at around 2:00 a.m., Butler lost control of his Range Rover. The car hit a parking meter, slammed into a wall, and flipper. Both Butler and Labelle were killed in the crash.

Authorities believe that Butler was speeding at the time. In fact, according to NBC, police said that the car could have been traveling at two or three times the speed limit before it crashed.

The Los Angeles Police Department North Hollywood confirmed that the car came to a stop after its long tumble at a a shopping plaza in Studio City.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Remembering Butler and Labelle

Butler was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 and made the First Team All-Atlantic 10 Player list twice. He was also a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletics.

In his long career, Butler played for several teams, including the Hornets, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs. Over the course of 14 seasons, he averaged 7.6 points per game. Eventually, he left the NBA in 2016.

LaBelle was on American Idol in 2004 and placed 12th in the third season of the show. She went on to sign on with Epic Records for a successful R&B career.

LaBelle was just 31 years old at the time of the crash, and Butler was 38.

Since the news broke, friends and family, including former teammates, have taken to social media to express their sorrow and their condolences. Fans have also reached out with messages of love and support.

Additionally, theGrio team would like to express our condolences for Leah LaBelle and Rasual Butler’s families in this time of grief and loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

See Twitter reactions to the shocking news below.

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