Former NBA player Rasual Butler and a his wife, singer Leah LaBelle, were killed in a rollover crash in Studio City early Wednesday morning, Jan. 31.
Butler, who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002, had a long NBA career, playing for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers. He retired in 2016.
Ventura Boulevard, from Vineland to Tujunga avenues, was closed for several hours while an investigation was conducted.
LaBelle appeared on the third season of “American Idol” in 2004.
“The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle,” the Clippers said in a released statement. “Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him.”
The Miami Heat also noted Butler’s death in a statement saying, the team was “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.”
The solo vehicle crash was reported around 2:30 a.m. on Ventura Boulevard near Arch Drive, according to an officer at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division.
Butler, 38, of Studio City died at the scene, said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
According to police, Butler lost control of his Range Rover, which struck a parking meter, slammed into a wall and rolled over. Police said the driver was likely speeding, judging by the debris at the crash site.
City News Service contributed to this report.