Former NBA player Rasual Butler and wife Leah LaBelle killed in car accident

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former NBA forward Rasual Butler and his wife were killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Los Angeles.

The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Studio City area and left a swath of damage along a major thoroughfare.

Coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter says the 38-year-old Butler and 31-year-old Leah LaBelle Vladowski were pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsies are pending.

Butler was drafted in 2002 by the Miami Heat and played for a total of eight NBA teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs during his 13-season career. His longest stint occuring in New Orleans from 2005-09.

Butler played his final regular season action with the San Antonio Spurs during the 2015-16 season. He retired with career averages of 7.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 21.3 minutes.

Butler’s wife was an R&B singer signed to Epic Records. She placed 12th on the third season of “American Idol” in 2004.

The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle.

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. pic.twitter.com/zNH93MVvpM

— NBA (@NBA) January 31, 2018

The NBPA family is deeply saddened by the passing of our brother, Rasual Butler. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family. pic.twitter.com/dNgGGmIpuq

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 31, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/O4RgQ47PwA

— John Wall (@JohnWall) January 31, 2018

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) January 31, 2018

Rest In Peace my brother #RasualButler

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 31, 2018

View this post on Instagram

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!

A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Jan 31, 2018 at 12:11pm PST

This one hurts. Lost a good dude. Learn a lot from a humble individual. Rest easy to you and your wife! #RasualButler

— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) January 31, 2018

You gotta be kidding me right now….
This is a sad day man!!! R.i.p sual bop!!
True legend in my eyes !!! Damn I’m really hurt right now… damn man!!

— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) January 31, 2018

The basketball world lost a good one today. R.I.P. to Rasual Butler, one of the realest people I ever played with. The world is going to miss your presence.

— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 31, 2018

Damn this one hurts! RIP Rasual Butler & his wife Leah. Sounds so cliche, but Rasual was really one of the good ones!!

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 31, 2018

Pat Riley statement on the passing of Rasual Butler (cont'd 3/3)

"Our compassion, empathy and hearts go out to their family and loved ones. We pray and know that with the grace, mercy and light of The Lord, Rasual and Leah will Rest In Peace."

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 31, 2018