Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle, died on Wednesday in a single-vehicle car accident in Studio City, California. Butler was 38, LaBelle was 31.
According to CBS Sports, the former NBA star was driving and lost control of his Range Rover around 2:30 a.m. with LaBelle in the car. Butler struck three parking meters and slammed into a wall, which caused the vehicle to flip. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet reports.
"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle," the National Basketball Association tweeted on Wednesday. "A pro's pro, Rasual enjoyed a long, successful career and was widely respected by his peers and coaches. We grieve with their loved ones during this difficult time."
Butler was selected by the Miami Heat with the 53rd pick of the 2002 NBA draft. Over his 14-year career with the professional league, he also played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, Butler was close friends with his former Heat teammate, Lamar Odom, and even appeared on a few seasons of Khloe & Lamar.
Butler's wife was an R&B singer, who was signed to Epic Records/So So Def Recordings and appeared on the third season of American Idol. She placed 12th in the competition.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle," a tweet from the Miami Heat read. "Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed."
Following the tragic news, friends, fans and former teammates of Butler took to Twitter and Instagram to send their condolences. See their reactions below:
@dwyanewade : Rasual and i my rookie year in Miami. This was my first public appearance and i was nervous to go along—So Sual joined to make it easier on me. That’s who he was—A great individual that was always there for people when they needed him. Today is a sad day—Sual’s family, his wife’s family and his NBA family mourn the lost of a great man. R.I.P philly boy Rasual Butler!
Rip to the homie Rasual Butler & his wife!! Condolences to the butler family & friends. Damn Bro. Matt Barnes
@Matt_Barnes22
Very sad day for the #NBAFamily. My deepest condolences to Rasual and his wife’s families in such a painful moment.
#RIPRasualButler. Pau Gasol
@paugasol
So sad this morning to here about my friend and teammate RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never kno. Paul Pierce
@paulpierce34
R.I.P to Rasual Butler man, he was good to me and kept it G with me during our time in Minnesota! We lost a good one!! Kris Dunn
@KrisDunn3
Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time. Kevin Love
@kevinlove
I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace. John Wall
@JohnWall
Very sad day for me, Rasual was not only a great teammate but great guy in this league. My prayers and condolences go out to their families.
RIP. Eric Gordon
@TheofficialEG10
Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. 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! Lamarcus Aldridge
@aldridge_12
There is no way to process the sorrow at hearing of the passing of @RasualButler45 and his wife Leah LaBelle in a car accident early Wednesday. Rasual was one of the legit nicest guys I’ve ever dealt with, over many years & many teams. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP.
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