RIP: Petara Cordero, girlfriend of Cleveland Browns player Chris Smith killed in car accident
EEW Magazine // Death
The girlfriend of Browns defensive end Chris Smith was killed in a roadside accident that happened after his car spun out on the highway.
The team said Petara Cordero, 26, who had just a welcomed a baby with Smith less than a month ago, died when she was struck by an oncoming car at around 2 a.m. Wednesday. Cordero was a passenger in Smith's Lamborghini, which had a tire malfunction and he struck the median wall.
Credit: Instagram
Cordero exited the vehicle and was standing on the road's shoulder when a car driven by a 47-year-old woman smashed into the passenger side of Smith's car. According to a Cleveland police report provided by the Browns, Cordero was transported to Fairview Hospital and pronounced dead.
Police said the other driver admitted drinking. No charges have been field and toxicology reports are pending. Smith was not impaired or injured, police said.
Just two weeks ago, Smith had written a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing joy over the birth of the couple’s baby girl. “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,” he said, adding, “Love you Petara and Baby.”
Cordero had also expressed her joy at becoming a new mom on Instagram on Aug. 27, writing, “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!!”
She added, “So excited for this life journey with you!”
Sadly, that life journey was cut short.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam offered their condolences to Smith, who signed as a free agent with the team last year. He played one season in Cincinnati and three in Jacksonville.
"Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara," the Haslams said. "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."
Cleveland's players were told of the accident during a meeting and coach Freddie Kitchens visited Smith at his home. He had been excused from the team's exhibition against Indianapolis last month for the new baby's arrival.
Smith played in Sunday's season-opening loss to Tennessee. The Browns play at the New York Jets on Monday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
