'American Idol' Finalist Leah LaBelle and Husband Rasual Butler Killed in Car Crash
Celebrity

The former FOX singing competition show contestant and her husband, a former NBA player, died on the scene after Rasual lost control of the car they rode in Studio City, California.

AceShowbiz - Former "American Idol" contestant Leah LaBelle and her husband Rasual Butler have died in a single-car crash in Studio City, California. Los Angeles Police confirm that the accident occurred on early Wednesday morning, January 31 at 2:25 A.M. PST.

Rasual was behind the wheel of a 2011 Land Rover that was traveling at a high rate of speed when he suddenly lost control of the vehicle. It drove off the roadway and collided with the curb. The vehicle, which had Leah as a passenger, continued in a northwest direction and collided with three parking meters, a concrete wall and several other objects before flipping out twice and coming to a stop inside the parking lot of the shopping mall in 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard of Studio City.

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner office, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. LAPD Valley Traffic Division officer believe that speed was a factor in the crash. An autopsy is still pending.

Leah LaBelle, born Leah LaBelle Vladowski, competed in season 3 of FOX's singing competition show "American Idol" and finished 12th. In 2009, singer Keri Hilson saw Leah's video on her YouTube page and recruited her as a backup singer. She was then spotted by Jermaine Dupri and Pharrell Williams, who signed the "Idol" alum to a record deal.

In 2011, she recorded "Sexify" as a sampler for record companies. A source tells E! News, "Everyone is devastated. It's such a sad day for her friends, family and all her fans that loved her. She was so talented and was pushing hard on her music career."

Fantasia Barrino, the winner of "American Idol" season 3, expressed her condolences on Twitter. "This just doesn't seem right even saying right now but Rest In Peace Baby Girl @leahlabelle I will never forget you. Idol Family Forever @AmericanIdol," she wrote.

Meanwhile, Rasual Butler played for 14 NBA teams from 2002 until 2016. He was first drafted by the Miami Heat and finished his playing days with the San Antonio Spurs. He also played with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls among other teams.

"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle," the NBA posted on Twitter. "A pro's pro, Rasual enjoyed a long, successful career and was widely respected by his peers and coaches. We grieve with their loved ones during this difficult time."

Rasual's former team the Miami Heat issued a statement which read, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed."

The Indiana Pacers also stated, "Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. In his one season with us, Rasual was the consummate team player and a great role model for our younger players on how a professional should prepare and act, while being a positive influence on everyone who associated with him. We offer our sincerest condolences to he and his wife's family."

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