METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – Saints fans came together to remember a black and gold hero. They lined up at the team’s indoor practice facility in Metairie for Will Smith’s visitation.
Smith was shot and killed Saturday night following a car crash and confrontation with another driver in the Lower Garden District.
Smith’s wife was also shot in the leg. She attended Friday’s visitation along with team owner Tom Benson, coach Sean Payton and retired players like Charles Grant and Steve Gleason.
Many fans are wearing their jerseys, holding their hats in their hands, and wiping away tears. Fans tell us that they are grateful to the Saints organization for this opportunity to grieve and to try to come to grips with Smith’s death as well as the circumstances surrounding it.
“For a sad moment, for the Who Dat Nation, for us to come here and pay our respects and see all the jerseys, high school, college, and when he played for the Saints. It’s just a touching moment to pay our respects for a well liked and competitive of a football player, Will Smith,” said fan Donald Silcio.
Smith was shot and killed during a confrontation that followed a car crash in the Lower Garden District last Saturday night. The suspect in the case, Cardell Hayes, is booked with murder. But Hayes’ defense attorney says the shooting was in self defense.
Smith was on the Saints’ Super Bowl team. He also won the national championship in college while playing at Ohio State.
“I appreciate the fact that his family allowed him to have this visitation and memorial service today because there are so many Saints fans, Charleen Augillard.”
“You’ve got to give it up to the Saints. This is a first class move they’re doing today,” added Alex Husserl.
The visitation continued until 7:00 tonight.