Former NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle, were reportedly killed in a car accident in Studio City, California last night.
According to a report by TMZ Sports, Butler lost control of his Range Rover at about 2 a.m., struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall. Officers believe he might have been speeding prior to the crash.
Butler, 38, was drafted by the Miami Heat in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft. He played for several teams during his career including the Hornets when they were still in New Orleans/Oklahoma, Clippers, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs. Butler retired after the 2015-16 season and later played for the Big 3 League as a member of team Power.
Butler’s wife, Leah LaBelle, was an R&B singer who was signed to Epic Records. According to TMZ, she was also featured on the 3rd Season of “American Idol” back in 2004.
Ex-NBA Player Rasual Butler and Wife Dead In Car Crash https://t.co/9L064BlMIO
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) January 31, 2018
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed. pic.twitter.com/djezmpHd5h
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 31, 2018
Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of former Pacers player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/ezdVkM12PG
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 31, 2018
