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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Andrew Buncombe

Will Smith: Funeral held for slain American football player in New Orleans

The former American football star who was shot and killed a week ago has been laid to rest in New Orleans.

Friends and relatives of Will Smith, a one-time member of the New Orleans Saints, held a private service at a theatre in the city centre.

Saints players, former players, coaches and managers attended the service as did friends and family, according to The Times-Picayune. Pallbearers included Smith's former Saints teammates. 

Smith died a week ago after police said he was shot by 28-year-old Cardell Hayes during a traffic altercation. An investigation is ongoing and Mr Hayes has been detained.

As mourners gathered at the Saenger Theatre, a video screen showed snippets of Smith’s famous tackles as well as photos from his life off the field, the Associated Press said.

Smith's widow, Racquel, was also injured in the shooting (AP)

On Saturday, mourners included Saints coach Sean Payton and former players Jonathan Vilma and Malcolm Jenkins, who spoke at the service and consoled Smith’s widow, Racquel, who was injured in the shooting last week.

She made her first appearance since the incident on Friday when she took part in a public visitation of Smith’s coffin.

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