Former NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife Leah LaBelle, a singer who appeared on American Idol, were killed in a violent car crash on Wednesday.
Media reports confirm Rasual, 38, was driving during the accident which occurred on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, Southern California.
The hoopster who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002, reportedly lost control of his Range Rover around 2 AM, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall before the car flipped.
Police say they believe Rasual was over-speeding before the crash.
The American basketball player had a long NBA career after an impressive run at La Salle, where he was a 2-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 Player. He’s also a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletics, TMZ reported.
During his glittering career in the NBA until 2016, Rasual featured for the Hornets, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs. His most recent outing was in Ice Cube’s BIG3 league.
The Miami Heat, who selected Rasual in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft, confirmed news of his death in an official statement.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/958773640698482688
Butler’s wife Leah LaBelle was an R&B singer. She had a contract with Epic Records and was placed 12th on the 3rd Season of “American Idol” back in 2004.
We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah. #DCFamily pic.twitter.com/Ysx4BVYEcU
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 31, 2018
