Rasual Butler played his last professional basketball game in 2016, but his NBA peers never forgot what a big man he was.
That became clear Wednesday after reports emerged saying Butler and his wife, singer Leah LaBelle, died in an early morning car accident in Los Angeles. The Miami Heat confirmed the tragedy Wednesday afternoon.
The announcement of Butler’s death prompted an outpouring of grief among past and present NBA stars, who used social media to share kind words. Butler played for the Heat, New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs throughout the course of his career.
Butler was 38 years old. LaBelle, who appeared on “American Idol,” was 31. They’re survived by Butler’s daughter Raven, whom he fathered in a previous relationship.
