NFL player Chris Smith’s girlfriend killed in car accident weeks after giving birth

Petara Cordero, the girlfriend of NFL Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith has been killed in a car accident.

The 26-year-old was struck by a car and killed in front of her NFL player boyfriend on Wednesday morning (Sept.11).

Smith and Petara were traveling on a Cleveland highway when a tire malfunction reportedly caused his vehicle to spin out of control and hit a median.

Without significant injuries, Cordero got out of the car. Shortly after, a woman in a 2017 Mazda 3 hit the passenger’s side of Smith’s car and Cordero, who was standing on the shoulder, Cleveland police said in a statement.

Shortly after, Police and paramedics arrived on scene and rushed Cordero, 26, to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

According to Police, the driver of the second car was also taken to the hospital, where she was to be released after receiving care. The woman also admitted she had been drinking.

Police are still waiting for toxicology results.

Cordero’s sudden and tragic death comes just weeks after she and Smith welcomed daughter Haven Harris Smith.

“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.”