Thirteen-year NBA veteran Rasual Butler and his wife died in a single-car accident around 2 a.m. in Studio City, CA, on Wednesday.
According to TMZ, Butler, 38, lost control of his Range Rover, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall.
Butler and his wife Leah LaBelle—a former American Idol contestant and R&B singer—were pronounced dead on the scene, according to FOX Los Angeles.
Butler was driving at least twice the 35 mile-per-hour speed limit, reports CBS Los Angeles.
Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
On Wednesday afternoon, NBA players and teams alike tweeted their condolences to Rasual a.k.a. “Sual Bop” and his family:
Rest In Peace my brother 🙏🏾#RasualButler
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 31, 2018
I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/O4RgQ47PwA
— John Wall (@JohnWall) January 31, 2018
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
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 one hurts. Lost a good dude. Learn a lot from a humble individual. Rest easy to you and your wife! #RasualButler
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) 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
The basketball world lost a good one today. R.I.P. to Rasual Butler, one of the realest people I ever played with. The world is going to miss your presence.
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) 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
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
Still in shock about my brother Rasual. Great positive person. We lost a good one
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) January 31, 2018
Saddened to hear of Rasual Butler and his wife’s passing. He was a great guy and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. 🙏🏽
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) 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
This one hurt my heart. At a loss of words. RIP Rasual. Praying for your family. A Philly hoop… https://t.co/cBjp6EMzlt
— Wayne Ellington (@WayneEllington) January 31, 2018
Very sad day for me, Rasual was not only a great teammate but great guy in this league. My prayers and condolences go out to their families.
RIP 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ZdcDPBcHIG— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) January 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/NeneHilario42/status/958790690330365952
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
Wow! Bro gave me so much knowledge! Great dude if you never meet him! This one touches the soul! Prayers to his family and friends! Rest Easy Old Ni***! #RasualButler
— The Jonathon Simmons (@ThaRealJsimms) 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
RIP Philly legend Rasual Butler. Praying for his family🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) January 31, 2018
Very sad day for the #NBAFamily. My deepest condolences to Rasual and his wife’s families in such a painful moment. #RIPRasualButler pic.twitter.com/PUmTQUFwbF
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 31, 2018
Rasual was a great teammate, professional, and friend. I only played with him a short time but… https://t.co/eF59rdtaaU
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) January 31, 2018
I’m hurt man, still in shock, I don’t believe it…not you, you were too good man…feels like I… https://t.co/IcqhLAjYiI
— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) January 31, 2018
Omg….. RIP Rasual Butler :(( terrible News 😢
— Marcin Gortat🇵🇱 (@MGortat) January 31, 2018
Great teammate, great guy! Both him and his wife way too young! My condolences to both families.#RestInPeace https://t.co/MfKeorg4ro
— José Manuel Calderón (@JmCalderon) 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
Prayers up to the Butler family 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Rest Easy OG
— Michael Carter-Willi (@mcarterwilliams) 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
The Pelicans are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual was a consummate professional and a kind, caring and passionate person who was endeared in the New Orleans community. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones pic.twitter.com/Anc7wZoMJ4
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 31, 2018
The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. 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. pic.twitter.com/Hti86knOXa
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/958773640698482688
We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah. #DCFamily pic.twitter.com/Ysx4BVYEcU
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 31, 2018
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
We are deeply saddened at the passing of former Toronto Raptor Rasual Butler. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zoEzcVBHaW
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) 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
