NFL Star Chris Smith Pays Tribute To Girlfriend After Her Sudden Death “She’s In A Better Place Now”

Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith paid tribute to his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, who died in a car accident Wednesday. Via Instagram, Smith shared a statement saying, “God has a plan for all of us we can’t understand.”

“But she is in a better place now and she can rest easy. My wifey my best friend and the mother of my beautiful daughter. Love you baby #StayStrong #RIPMyLove”, Smith’s message continued; along with images and video of Cordero. The couple just celebrated the birth of their daughter, Haven Harris Smith, last month.

Cordero was killed after being struck by a car while the two were pulled over with a blown tire. The woman driving the vehicle that hit Cordero admitted to drinking before driving, however, a toxicology report is still pending and no charges have been filed. Smith was not impaired, according to police.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said 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.”