Ex-NBA Player Rasual Butler Passes Away At 38 | The Odyssey Online
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Ex-NBA Player Rasual Butler Passes Away At 38

It's always a sad time when someone passes away. Rest easy, Rasual.

Adrienne J. Romero
Feb 05, 2018
Millennials of New Jersey
156
Ex-NBA Player Rasual Butler Passes Away At 38
The Jump

You really never know what will happen.

Former NBA player Rasual Butler was killed in a deadly single-vehicle car crash in Studio City, Los Angeles early Wednesday morning per ESPN, and he was only 38 years old.

Unfortunately, Butler's 31-year-old wife, Lead LaBelle Vladowski, passed away alongside her husband in the crash. Vladowski was a finalist in Season 3 of American Idol back in 2004.

As this article is being written, an autopsy report is pending.

Butler averaged 7.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his 13 seasons in the NBA. He played for a total of eight teams including the Washington Wizards, the then-New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs. He last played for the NBA in the 2015-16 season with the Spurs.

Many current and former NBA players took to social media to express their mourning.

Paul Pierce tweeted:

So sad this morning to here about my friend and teammate RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never kno," with a few crying and sad face emojis.

Dwyane Wade went to instagram and posted a picture of him and Butler saying:

Rasual and i my rookie year in Miami. This was my first public appearance and i was nervous to go along—So Sual joined to make it easier on me. That’s who he was—A great individual that was always there for people when they needed him. Today is a sad day—Sual’s family, his wife’s family and his NBA family mourn the lost of a great man. R.I.P philly boy Rasual Butler!

Kobe Bryant followed along Pierce and tweeted:

Rest In Peace my brother

Everyone that had an encounter with Butler had something to say about his unfortunate death.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley stated per ESPN:

[Butler] one of the greatest people we have ever had play for us; a great player, teammate and better person.
It's always hard to cope with losing those you shared your life with, but we feel blessed to have had such a bright light shine in all of our lives," Riley said. "Our compassion, empathy and hearts go out to their family and loved ones.

Indiana Pacers president Kevin Pritchard also shared his thoughts per ESPN:

In his one season with us, Rasual was the consummate team player and a great role model for our younger players on how a professional should prepare and act, while being a positive influence on everyone who associated with him.

Rest easy, Rasual and Leah. We're sending all our love to you guys up above and your families and loved ones down here with us.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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