Slain former Saints defensive end to be laid to rest

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Funeral services are to be held for former defensive end Will Smith, who was shot and killed a week ago.

A private funeral and burial are to be held Saturday.

Smith died a week ago after police say he was shot by 28-year-old Cardell Hayes during a traffic altercation.

A visitation was held Friday at the Saints practice facility in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.

Fans — many wearing their black and gold Saints gear — gathered to pay their respects at Smith’s orchid-covered coffin.

Members of the Saints team and staff gathered as well, hugging each other and walking up to the coffin to pay homage.

Nearby, a video screen showed snippets of Smith’s famous tackles and sacks as well as photos from his life off the field.