Browns DE Chris Smith suffers tragic loss

It has not been the best week in headlines for Cleveland sports, and that is referring to the personal/emotional aspect of it. Everyone heard the shocking news on Tuesday about Cavaliers announcer Fred McLeod passing away. Wednesday morning, news hit the Cleveland Browns, as the girlfriend of DE Chris Smith, Petara Cordero, was killed in a car accident on I-90 West.

Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released the following statement:

“Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara. 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.”

Many Clevelanders who were driving to work this morning probably heard about the accident, before knowing who was involved. When I left my house this morning, I heard about the highway being closed from W. 117th to W. 140th, and I could see two helicopters hovering over the scene for at least 20 minutes.

Smith was excused from the Browns’ second preseason game this year so that he could attend the birth of their daughter. Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens visited Smith’s home earlier today, and the team says it will have counselors onsite throughout the week to provide emotional support and care to all players and staff.