It’s a sad day for the NBA.
Rasual Butler, a 13-year NBA veteran and his wife died in a single-car accident in the early hours of this morning in Studio City, California.
Reported by TMZ, Butler, 38, lost control of his Range Rover, struck a parking meter and then proceeded to slam into a nearby wall.
Butler, a former NBA small forward/ shooting guard who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002, and his wife Leah LaBelle – a former American Idol contestant – were pronounced dead on the scene, according to FOX Los Angeles.
Rasual Butler played for various teams during his 13 years in the league, including New Orleans/ Oklahoma City Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs.
Many players, former teammates and organisations have taken to Twitter to pay their respects to Butler and his wife.
Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) January 31, 2018
You gotta be kidding me right now….
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!!— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) 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
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
Come on man. Damn. The world just lost a great dude. RIP Rasual “Bop” Butler! https://t.co/tufRq2H3AI
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) 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
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
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 (@TerrenceRoss) January 31, 2018
Smh Rip Bop man learned a lot from you! Leah was such a nice person. Devastated by the news!! 😪😪😪 https://t.co/jMyRGEgRtV
— SLOWMO (@KyleAnderson5) 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
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
Can’t comprehend what I just heard about my former teammate @RasualButler45 and his wife!!! REST IN PEACE people. DAMNNNNN😢
— Garrett Temple (@GTemp17) January 31, 2018
RIP RASUAL BUTLER AND HIS WIFE🙏🏽 BLESSINGS TO HIS FAMILY!
— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) January 31, 2018
R.I.P Sul Bulter…. #phillyfinest #restwellbighomie
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) January 31, 2018
Omg….. RIP Rasual Butler :(( terrible News 😢
— Marcin Gortat🇵🇱 (@MGortat) January 31, 2018
Rip OG……
— R.HollisJefferson (@IAmCHAP24) 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
https://twitter.com/SeanKilpatrick/status/958781232686551041
Rest In Paradise Rasual kept it trill with me my rookie yr good dude
— Marcus Thornton (@OfficialMT23) January 31, 2018
Saul Bop rest easy brotha
— Ed Davis (@eddavisXVII) January 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/958773640698482688
We join the NBA family in mourning the tragic loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. He played 2 seasons with the Hornets when they were in OKC and a portion of the 2013 season with our Tulsa 66ers. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him. Rest In Peace Sual Bop. pic.twitter.com/VZCO9meoHp
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) 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
