Cleveland Browns player Chris Smith lost his longtime girlfriend in a tragic car accident weeks after she gave birth to their daughter, Haven.
CNN reports Petara Cordero died in a car collision last Wednesday while the two were pulled over with a blown tire. Smith wrote a touching tribute to his lover on Instagram September 13 in wake of her unfortunate passing.
"She is in a better place now and she can rest easy," Smith wrote. "My wifey my best friend and the mother of my beautiful daughter. Love you baby."
Last week, the couple was on the shoulder of a Cleveland highway after the tire blew out on Smith's Lamborghini. The luxury vehicle hit the median, forcing the two to wait for roadside assistance.
According to NBC News, a woman driving a Mazda sped pass, striking the Lamborghini and the 26-year-old mother. Cordero was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
"This matter remains under investigation and no charges have been filed of this time," Cleveland police Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia told NBC News.
A toxicology report is pending, but the driver did admit to authorities that she was drinking prior to the crash. Smith was unharmed during the collision.
Cordero's passing comes two weeks after the birth of the couple's daughter. The defensive end shared a touching post on his Instagram celebrating the life of his little girl and his lover.
"I’m so thankful to have another beautiful gift in this world my daughter Haven Harris Smith," Smith wrote in late August. "You are such a blessing to me and your mother!! Love you Petara and Baby Haven."
The Browns organization and players have thrown their full support behind the 27-year-old player. As Smith grieves, Head Coach Freddie Kitchens and others have given him time away from team activities to mourn in peace.
"Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara,” said the team's owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, in a statement. “Our entire organization mourns with Chris, his family and the Cordero family. We will do everything possible to offer them our support, comfort and any resources in this most difficult time."
