Former NBA swingman Rasual Butler and his wife were killed in a single car accident early Wednesday morning, and the NBA community is mourning the loss of the couple.
According to NBC 4 in Los Angeles, Butler’s car crashed into a shopping center in Studio City, Calif., at around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Police said the vehicle was traveling at two to three times the posted speed limit at the time of the accident when it struck a curb, rolled over and came to a stop at the plaza. Police have not confirmed the identity of the female passenger in the car, but TMZ reports that it was Butler’s wife. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Butler, who played for eight teams during his NBA career, was 38. Shortly after news of his death broke, the basketball community paid tribute.
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
Sad sad news R.I.P. Rasual.
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) 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
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
Omg….. RIP Rasual Butler :(( terrible News
— Marcin Gortat???????? (@MGortat) January 31, 2018
Lost for words this morning R.I.P. praying for your family’s and loves ones @RasualButler45… https://t.co/RuzjYR66mN
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) January 31, 2018
Rip to the homie Rasual Butler & his wife!! Condolences to the butler family & friends. Damn Bro
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) January 31, 2018
Words can’t express this one… Rasual Butler was my guy since our days chilling with Charlie Mack… Two Philly cats in San Antonio when he was with #Spurs … was so dope. RIP Sual! Thanks for everything bro! pic.twitter.com/dFc5RmXNVe
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) 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 my brother https://t.co/aPxoM7bHH4
— Marcus Camby (@MarcusCamby23) January 31, 2018
RIP @RasualButler45!! GOD please be with his kids and family during this difficult time!
— Damon Jones (@D19J) January 31, 2018
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.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) January 31, 2018
Butler last played for the San Antonio Spurs in 2016. The former La Salle star averaged 7.5 points per game over 13 NBA seasons.
