Gone Too Soon: RIP Rasual Butler (NBA) and Leah LaBelle (R&B Singer)

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In another piece of sad news, Rasual Butler and his wife, R&B singer Leah LaBelle, were killed in a single-car automobile accident early Wednesday morning. Butler was 38 years old, his wife was 31 years old, respectively.

Butler was born and raised in Philadelphia, played his high school ball there (Roman Catholic HS), and eventually had a stellar career at Philly’s La Salle University. He went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA, posting a career-average of 7.5 points per game.

His best season came in 2008–09 as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Butler played all 82 games for the playoff-bound Pelicans, starting 74 in the regular season and all five of their postseason contests. He averaged a career-best 11.9 points per game during the regular season, adding 10.6 per game in the playoffs.

Known for his expert marksmanship from downtown, Butler was always considered one of the best role players in the league. Most recently, he was a member of the San Antonio Spurs (2015-16).

Butler was active on social media in the days leading up to the crash, with mourners flocking to his latest post to send their condolences. Roger Mason Jr., his former teammate, was among the commenters, and several other notable names have paid their respects on Twitter.

LaBelle, a former American Idol contestant, was signed to So So Def Records, a subsidiary of Epic Records. Her 2012 single “Sexify” charted on the Billboard Top 100 (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop).

Fans have also shared their condolences on her latest Instagram post.