Will Smith is dead!

Former Super Bowl Winner Shot Dead - Reports

Former New Orleans Saints footballer Will Smith has been shot dead after he was involved in a car crash, according to reports.

Smith, 34, and his wife were in the car when it was shunted from behind in the city's Garden District on Saturday, reported The Times-Picayune on its website.

Police are investigating the shooting. Pic: The Times Picayune.

The shooting happened about 11:30 p.m. after a three-car accident near Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street in the Lower Garden District, New Orleans Police Department spokesman Juan Barnes said.

A Hummer H2 rear-ended Smith's Mercedes-Benz SUV, Barnes said, causing Smith's vehicle to rear-end another car driven by one of his friends.

Smith, 34, and the 30-year-old driver of the Hummer "exchanged words" before the driver of the Hummer pulled out a gun and shot Smith multiple times, police said.

Smith died on the scene.

Police were questioning the unidentified driver of the Hummer and recovered the gun used in the shooting, Barnes said.

Smith had 67.5 sacks, the fourth highest total in Saints history, in 10 years with the organization. He was a starter on the Super Bowl XLIV championship team, helping bring the franchise its only title. He also won a national championship at Ohio State and was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft.

Smith did not play in another NFL game after tearing a knee ligament in an exhibition in 2013.

In addition to his wife, Smith leaves behind two sons and a daughter.