Girlfriend of Browns DE Chris Smith Tragically Dies in Auto Accident
By Michael Luciano
Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith has suffered a tragic loss.
Smith was involved in a car accident in I-90 in Ohio this morning. While the Browns DE was relatively uninjured, his girlfriend Petara Cordero was killed. Cordero, 26, had just given birth to their daughter, Haven, four weeks ago.
#Browns defensive end Chris Smith's girlfriend Petara Cordero was killed in an auto accident Wednesday morning on I-90 in Cleveland. They had their daughter, Haven, 4 weeks ago. So tragic and horrible https://t.co/89tO1OEHLS
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 11, 2019
“Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara,” Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said 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.”
Smith, a fifth-round pick out of Arkansas in the 2014 NFL draft, has bounced around the NFL for six years, having played three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars and one with the Cincinnati Bengals before starting his two-year stint in Cleveland.
Smith has 66 tackles and 8.5 sacks during his career.
Browns confirm defensive lineman Chris Smith was involved in a tragic crash early this morning. Smith is ok but heartbroken. His girlfriend died. The two had a baby together. #Fox8
— Peggy Gallek (@PeggyGallek) September 11, 2019
Our sincerest condolences go out to Smith and his family during this difficult time.