American Idol star Leah LaBelle and her former NBA star husband Rasual Butler have died in a fatal car crash.
Los Angeles Police have confirmed to E! News that the crash occurred in Studio City, California, early Wednesday morning at 2:25 a.m local time.
Rasual was driving the Land Rover vehicle, and lost control before colliding with a curb. Leah was in the passenger seat, and the car flipped twice before coming to a rest in a shopping centre parking lot.
The Los Angeles County Coroner office has confirmed that Leah and Rasual were pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy is pending.
Leah starred in American Idol’s third season back in 2004, when Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson were judges on the panel. She came twelfth in competition, and later signed with Epic Records.
“Everyone is devastated. It’s such a sad day for her friends, family and all her fans that loved her,” a source told E! News. “She was so talented and was pushing hard on her music career.”
Fantasia Barrino, who won the third series of American Idol, paid tribute to Leah on social media, “This just doesn’t seem right even saying right now but Rest In Peace Baby Girl,” she wrote. “@leahlabelle I will never forget you. Idol Family Forever @AmericanIdol.”
Rasual had a successful 14-year career with the NBA. He was first drafted by Miami Heat in 2002, and went on to play for the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, among other teams.
The NBA released a statement on Twitter saying, “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. A pro’s pro, Rasual enjoyed a long, successful career and was widely respected by his peers and coaches. We grieve with their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Miami Heat also released a statement, reading, “We are 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.”
Former teammate and Khloe Kardashian’s ex-husband Lamar Odom also took to Twitter to write, “Words can’t explain this feeling R.I.P. Lil bro #SualBop.”
The NBA star is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship.
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