Former NFL defensive end Will Smith has died following reports he was shot in New Orleans on Saturday.

A road traffic incident on Sophie Wright Place in the city led to a heated exchange in which a 34-year-old male is confirmed to have been killed. A police spokesman at the scene said: "The 34-year-old male victim's vehicle was travelling eastbound on Sophie Wright Place when his vehicle was hit in the rear by a Hummer H2.
"The collision caused the victim's Mercedes G63 SUV to strike the rear of a Chevrolet Impala who was travelling along with the victim. "The victim and the driver of the Hummer exchanged words, at which time the driver of the Hummer produced a handgun and shot the male victim multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg. "The male victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

"His wife was transported to a local hospital.

"The 30-year-old driver of the Hummer is now in police custody and is being questioned by detectives."

Local media identified Smith as the victim, with New Orleans Saints senior vice-president of communications Greg Bensel subsequently tweeting: "A senseless and tragic loss.

"Our thoughts are with Will Smith - his wife Racquel - his children William, Wynter and Lisa."

Head coach Sean Payton added: "Heavy Hearts [with] the senseless passing of our Team Capt. Will Smith. Pray for his wife's recovery and their children."