Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler, wife Leah LaBelle, killed after their vehicle flipped early Wednesday, in LA
Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler, wife Leah LaBelle killed in single-car accident
Butler, 38, and his American Idol alum wife Leah Labelle, 31, both were killed after flipping their Range Rover in a high speed crash
He went on to play for nine teams over 14 seasons in the NBA
Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler, and his wife R&B singer Leah Labelle were both killed when their SUV flipped in California early Wednesday
Former NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife, singer Leah LaBelle, were killed in a single car accident in Studio City, Calif. early Wednesday morning, according to TMZ.
Butler reportedly lost control of his Range Rover at 2 a.m. and flipped the car after hitting a parking meter and slamming into a wall.
The vehicle was totalled
Debris at the crash site Wednesday morning
Both Rasual Butler and his wife were reportedly killed in L.A. car accident, officers believe he was speeding before the accident.
The L.A. County coroner’s office confirmed that one of the victims was the 38-year-old Butler. Several media reports identified the other victim as LaBelle, although the coroner’s office would not confirm that. It wasn’t immediately clear who was behind the wheel.
Butler played in the NBA for several years and LaBelle was a contestant on “American Idol.”
The Range Rover was traveling at least twice the 35 mile per hour speed limit, police said. At this time, there is no indication the vehicle was street racing.
Butler, 38, played 14 seasons in the NBA with nine different teams. He was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 where he spent his first three seasons and last played for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2015-16 season. He also played in Ice Cube’s BIG3 league last year.
Rasual Butler and his wife Leah LaBelle: LaBelle was an R&B singer signed to Epic Records.
His wife Leah LaBelle was an R&B singer signed to Epic Records. She was on the third season of “American Idol” in 2004 where she finished 12th in the contest.
News of Butler’s death shocked many in the NBA community as players voiced their sadness and grief over the news on social media.
“Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife,” LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs tweeted. “My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!”
“So sad this morning to here [sic] about my friend and teammate,” Paul Pierce tweeted. “RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never kno.”
Leah Labelle was on the third season of “American Idol” in 2004 where she finished 12th in the contest.
News of Butler’s death shocked many in the NBA community as players voiced their sadness and grief over the news on social media.
Reacting to the News, the Pacers Organization issued a statement: “Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle,” the Pacers said in a statement.
“In his one season with us, Rasual was the consummate team player and a great role model for our younger players on how a professional should prepare and act, while being a positive influence on everyone who associated with him. We offer our sincerest condolences to he and his wife’s family.”
Fire and Rescue inspect the crushed Range Rover at the crash scene, Wednesday
Former Pacers star Reggie Miller said in a released: “Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah,” Miller wrote. “Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved because of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels.”
Kyle Lowry, teammates with Butler in Toronto and someone he knew and looked up to while growing up, also had a lengthy Instagram post.
and I was at a camp and I wanted to show off because I knew you and you answered the phone for a 16year old who was one of your biggest fans,” wrote Lowry. “This is truly a sad day for me !! RIP Sual bop my oldhead!!”
First responders prep for the removal of the vehicle wreck at the crash scene, in Los Angeles, Wednesday
Spurs forward Danny Green wrote on: “I’m hurt man, still in shock, don’t believe it…not you, you were too good man…feels like I just seen you like yesterday, they both of you…even tho we were teammates for a short period, we bonded like brothers…had an energy that was unmatched, we will miss you good brova, you and Leah both #RIP @rasualbutler8 @leahlabelle prayers up to your families.”
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