Will Smith shooting witnessed by Pierre Thomas, gun found in Smith’s car but wasn’t fired

Pierre Thomas said he witnessed the killing of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was brutally gunned down over the weekend.

Will Smith was with his former New Orleans Saints teammate Pierre Thomas just before the senseless and brutal incident occurred in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans late Saturday night/early Sunday morning.  They were at dinner together with former NOPD commander and friend Billy Ceravolo.

It was uncertain whether or not Pierre Thomas there to witness the crime where Will Smith was shot several times and killed by 28-year-old Cardell Hayes following a minor traffic collision, or if he showed up after.  Smith’s wife was also shot twice in the leg but the injuries were non-life threatening.

While new and interesting details continue to emerge, I’m going to leave it at that.  As for Pierre Thomas, the former Saints running back and fan favorite spoke out Tuesday via social media, stating that he was indeed there to witness the murder of his close friend and former teammate, Will Smith.

Thomas wrote on Facebook and Instagram (Warning: Explicit language):

“The last few days has been a whirlwind and I am still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing. I flew out of New Orleans last night and back to Chicago because I couldn’t think straight…I witnessed a close friend, teammate and a man that I thought of as one of my big brothers in the NFL shot to death OVER A F*****G FENDER BENDER!!!! Why!? I just don’t get it…these images that I have in my head will never leave me and I understand that and will have to live with it. I want to thank each and everyone of you, my family, friends, fans and the entire Who Dat Nation for all of your thoughts and prayers….But let’s send them instead to Will’s family – his wife and 3 kids who have to be strong during this difficult time.

“People!! When is this s**t going to stop?? There is so much senseless killing going on in out world, and I’m not saying that I have the answers to fix it…but I am willing to do my part to help and find a solution. My heart is heavy and I wish I could turn back the hands of time, but what is done is done. Sadly my friend is gone but he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Will.”

As for the gun found in Will Smith’s car, it was not fired, the NOPD says.  We’ll keep the story updated as new details emerge.