An absolutely senseless crime with a tragic outcome.

It may be the best way to describe ex-New Orleans Saints' star Will Smith being shot and killed due to a road-rage incident Saturday night.

According to ESPN, Smith's Mercedes-Benz G63 SUV was rear-ended by a driver of a Hummer H2 in New Orleans' Lower Garden District, causing him to hit another vehicle in a three-vehicle accident. 

That triggered a confrontation between the driver and former Super Bowl champion defensive end with Smith being shot multiple times and his wife, Raquel, also being shot in the leg twice. She was taken to the hospital. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 34 and had played nine seasons in the NFL.  

The 30-year-old driver of the Hummer was taken into custody for police questioning.

Smith's grieving family sent the following statement to ESPN. 

"On behalf of the Smith family, we are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers," ESPN reported they said. "We ask that you continue to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend."

Apparently Smith and his wife were out with former Saints running back Pierre Thomas before the senseless incident, with this image of a distraught Thomas appearing at the crime scene after it happened.

Everyone from the Saints' organization (officials, coaches and players) to the overall NFL community has posted their condolences over Smith's tragic death.

Smith was  former team captain of the Saints, having been named a Pro Bowler in 2006, before helping the squad win Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.

What a tragic, senseless loss.

 (Photo: Getty Images)