Advertisement Former Saints player Will Smith killed, wife injured in LGD double shooting Cardell Hayes arrested on second-degree murder charge Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was killed in a double shooting Saturday night in the Lower Garden District, officials said.The shooting was reported about 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street, the New Orleans Police Department said in a news release.Orleans Parish Coroner Jeffrey Rouse confirmed in an update that Smith was the man who was killed. He said the former Saints player died of multiple gunshot wounds.Officials tell WDSU the person who was arrested in the shooting is Cardell Hayes, 28. He was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison on a second-degree murder charge.SEE ALSO: Former, current Saints react to death of Will SmithA source with the NOPD said Smith and former Saints running back Pierre Thomas were eating at Sake Cafe on Magazine Street, and were traveling downtown.Smith, 34, was traveling east on Sophie Wright Place when his vehicle was hit in the rear by Hayes, who was driving a Hummer H2, officials said. The collision caused the Smith's Mercedes G64 SUV to strike the rear of a Chevrolet Impala, that was traveling along with him.Police said Smith and Hayes exchanged words and Hayes produced a handgun and shot Smith multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg.Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.Officials said Hayes stayed at the scene until police arrived.Smith was a first-round draft pick in 2004. He played college ball for Ohio State University. Smith was the Saints' team captain from 2005-2013 and was with the Black and Gold when they won Super Bowl XLIV. He was set to join the Saints Hall of Fame this fall.He married his wife, who is from Lafayette. Smith had three young children.Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued a statement Sunday on Smith's death:"I am shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith. My thoughts and prayers are with Will's family and those who loved him dearly. The senseless acts of violence have to stop. Traffic accidents should not lead to someone losing their life.""I want to thank NOPD and our first responders for a swift response to this incident. NOPD has arrested Cardell Hayes and booked him with Second Degree Murder. NOPD is continuing its investigation at this time."Stay with WDSU.com for more information as it develops.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here.Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!