While authorities continue investigating the incident, the NFL and the sports community at large are still reeling after the death of Will Smith, a former New Orleans Saints defensive end.

After being shot eight times, Smith was found dead following a  hit-and-run accident with Cardell Hayes in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday April 9. Smith, in a Mercedes, rear ended Hayes who was driving a Hummer. When the Hummer pulled over to the side of the road, Smith drove away prompting Hayes to chase after him. Hayes then forcefully hit the back of Smith’s car, making the rear windshield shatter. When Smith went over to the Hummer, Hayes was yelling and cursing at him. Smith’s wife, Racquel, pleaded for him to get back in the car, however on his way back Hayes pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and shot Racquel first, once in her right leg and again in her left. Hayes then shot Smith in the back 8 times, leaving him dead lying half in his car and half out.

The next day, there was new evidence that was found in Smith’s Mercedes, a 9mm handgun. There was also a fully loaded revolver found inside the Hummer H2 driven by Hayes. That brought the total weapon count involved in the case to  three. The weapon that was used to kill Smith was the 45 caliber.

The defense is now trying to say that Hayes was using self defense against Smith. However, the investigation shows that at no point during their conversation did Smith reach for his gun. Racquel, his wife, is now recovering in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“It must be awful for Racquel, her life changed so fast, she lost the love of her life and now she has to be strong for her children who lost their father,” says senior Alex Hoff.

Police do not have all the information on the case yet and are still building an investigation, however  a surveillance video shows what had happened between the cars before the shooting.

A visitation for Smith will be held on Friday, April 15 at the Saints practice facility and a private funeral service will be held on Saturday the 16.