Former NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle, died in a car crash early Wednesday morning, according to a TMZ report. The crash occurred in Studio City, Calif., when Butler lost control of the car, hit a parking meter and crashed into a wall. Officers believe Butler was speeding, according to the report.
Butler, 38, played from 2002-2016 with his longest NBA stints coming with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (four seasons) and Heat (three seasons). He also spent time with the Clippers, Bulls, Pacers, Wizards, Raptors and Spurs. He most recently participated in the inaugural season of Ice Cube's Big3 League. LaBelle, 31, was an R&B singer signed to Epric Records who finished 12th on "American Idol" back in 2003.
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Upon hearing the news, the Heat, Clippers and Pacers released statements saying the organizations were "deeply saddened" by the sudden loss.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed. pic.twitter.com/djezmpHd5h
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 31, 2018
The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him. pic.twitter.com/Hti86knOXa
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 31, 2018
Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of former Pacers player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/ezdVkM12PG
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 31, 2018
NBA players across the league also shared messages of sorrow following Butler and LaBelle's deaths, including former Heat star Dwyane Wade.
Come on man. Damn. The world just lost a great dude. RIP Rasual “Bop” Butler! https://t.co/tufRq2H3AI
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 31, 2018
You gotta be kidding me right now....
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) January 31, 2018
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!!
I used to go and watch lasalle games sit at the top row of gola arena just to watch him play man!! Like this is wild to me!!
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) January 31, 2018
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
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
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
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) January 31, 2018
Very sad day for the #NBAFamily. My deepest condolences to Rasual and his wife’s families in such a painful moment. #RIPRasualButler pic.twitter.com/PUmTQUFwbF
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) 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
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.
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) January 31, 2018
RIP 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ZdcDPBcHIG
Omg..... RIP Rasual Butler :(( terrible News 😢
— Marcin Gortat🇵🇱 (@MGortat) January 31, 2018
This is very SAD news... I remember Rasual always told me, “Keep Grinding fam and your time will come.” R.I .P. Rasual... 🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯
— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) January 31, 2018
Rest easy my brother. See you when I get there!!! pic.twitter.com/Npsnib7k5t
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) 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
Rip OG......
— R.HollisJefferson (@IAmCHAP24) January 31, 2018
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) January 31, 2018
Man I’m heartbroken over the news of a good friend passing last night. Rasual was a great help to me during my draft process. Gave me great advice and was just a all around good person. I’ll miss you bro. Prayers to you and your family. Can’t believe it. #RIP
— Terrence Ross (@TFlight31) January 31, 2018
Life is too short... be thankful! Tell your loved ones you love them every chance you get!
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) January 31, 2018
lost an OG today, a true pro, a teacher, and competitor. who was not only a great mentor but also a great father. @rasualbutler45 rest peacefully my brother. #gonetoosoon pic.twitter.com/md1mOTxifQ
— Solomon Hill (@solohill) January 31, 2018
