Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith and his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, were driving down I-90 West in Cleveland in Smith’s 2019 Lamborghini when one of the vehicle’s tires blew out.
The blow out caused the sports car to lose control during the early morning hours of September 11. According to a statement made by the Cleveland Browns organization, the Lamborghini hit a nearby median.
the impact, both Smith and Cordero got out of the vehicle uninjured. Sadly, when Cordero made her way out of the car, an oncoming Mazda struck the 26-year-old new mom.
Cordero, who gave birth to her and Smith’s daughter less than a month ago, was rushed to the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. She did not survive the impact.
According to CNN, the driver of the Mazda that struck Cordero admitted to drinking before the accident took place. Both CNN and the Browns report that Smith was not impaired at the time of the crash.
As both Smith and Cordero’s Instagrams reveal, they welcomed a baby girl into the world in August.
Smith wrote:
I’m so thankful to have another beautiful gift in this world my daughter Haven Harris Smith. You are such a blessing to me and your mother!! Love you Petara and Baby Haven.
Cordero added with a post of her own.
She wrote:
This little girl has filled my heart with so much joy and love!! I’m so thankful that God chose me to be her mommy!! So excited for this life journey with you!!! Haven Harris Smith.
The owners of the Browns organization, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, offered their condolences to Smith and Cordero’s family in a 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.”
Emily Wilkinson, the wife of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, also shared her condolences on Twitter.
My heart aches for Chris Smith, their families, and all who loved Petara Cordero. What a sad and tragic accident. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight, and let this serve as a reminder that none of us are invincible. ?
— Emily Wilkinson (@emily_wilk) September 11, 2019
She wrote:
My heart aches for Chris Smith, their families, and all who loved Petara Cordero. What a sad and tragic accident. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight, and let this serve as a reminder that none of us are invincible.
The Browns have offered Smith has much time as he needs to grieve Cordero’s passing.