Ex-NBA Player Rasual Butler, American Idol Alum Leah LaBelle Killed in Car Crash

 Posted on February 4, 2024  |  5 minutes  |  1036 words  |  Larita Shotwell

Former NBA player Rasual Butler died on Wednesday morning in a car crash in Studio City, Calif. He was 38.

A statement released by Butler’s former team the LA Clippers confirmed that he and his wife Leah LaBelle, a singer who competed on season three of “American Idol,” were both killed in the accident.

Officials are still investigating the tragedy. According to NBC4, police received a call describing an accident at about 2:30 a.m. Butler’s vehicle hit a curb and tumbled before crashing in a plaza.

Butler finished his basketball career during the 2015-2016 season with the San Antonio Spurs. During his 14-year stint in the NBA, Butler played for multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers. He played college basketball at La Salle University.

Related Stories

An Emmy statue with arrows going through it VIP+

‘Hacks’ Post-Emmys Boost Highlights Max’s HBO Problem

'Star Wars: Outlaws' Creative Director Julian Gerighty Reflects on Making the First Open-World 'Star Wars' Game, Why It's Set in the Original Trilogy Era

'Star Wars Outlaws' Creative Director Julian Gerighty Reflects on Making the First Open-World 'Star Wars' Game and Why It's Set in the Original Trilogy Era

LaBelle reached the Top 12 on “American Idol” in 2004. She was later signed to Epic Records in 2011 and released two singles on the Sony Music label, “Sexify” and “Lolita,” in 2012 and 2013. “Idol” season three winner Fantasia Barrino wrote on Twitter, “I will never forget you,” after news of the couple’s death.

Popular on Variety

This just doesn’t seem right even saying right now but Rest In Peace Baby Girl 😢💔 @leahlabelle I will never forget you. Idol Family Forever @AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/13VtuivjIE

— Fantasia Taylor (@TasiasWord) January 31, 2018

Members from Butler’s NBA family shared their condolences on social media. The official Twitter account for the Miami Heat posted, “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.”

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/958773640698482688

The Clippers and Pacers also mourned his loss.

The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him. pic.twitter.com/Hti86knOXa

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 31, 2018

Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of former Pacers player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/ezdVkM12PG

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 31, 2018

Dwyane Wade, who formerly played for the Miami Heat, tweeted, “Come on man. Damn. The world just lost a great dude. RIP Rasual ‘Bop’ Butler!”

Come on man. Damn. The world just lost a great dude. RIP Rasual “Bop” Butler! https://t.co/tufRq2H3AI

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 31, 2018

Other former teammates also expressed their sympathies.

Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved becasue of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels..

— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) January 31, 2018

Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time.

— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 31, 2018

Saddened to hear of Rasual Butler and his wife’s passing. He was a great guy and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. 🙏🏽

— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) January 31, 2018

R.I.P to Rasual Butler man, he was good to me and kept it G with me during our time in Minnesota! We lost a good one!!

— Kris Dunn (@KrisDunn3) January 31, 2018


https://twitter.com/Matt_Barnes22/status/958765479044169728

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXKEjq2taKaVrMBwvsCsrJqkXZfCtbjEq2SdnZGZeqW1xKxkpKGcobKlecKaqWabopbAqXnNm5hmaWJlf3eEkmpsb2c%3D