Girlfriend of Browns’ Chris Smith killed in accident

By Tom Withers The Associated Press

5 years ago

Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith (50) sits on the sideline during the first half of a ... — Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith (50) sits on the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins in Cleveland on Aug. 8, 2019. Petara Cordero, the girlfriend of Smith has been killed in an accident early Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019. The team said Cordero, 26, died when she was struck by an oncoming car on I-90 West at around 2 a.m. after she and Smith had pulled to the side of the road when the car he was driving had a tire malfunction and spun out. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)

CLEVELAND — The girlfriend of Browns defensive end Chris Smith has been killed in an accident. She was 26.

The team said Petara Cordero, died when she was struck by an oncoming car on I-90 West at around 2 a.m. Smith and Cordero had pulled to the side of the road after his Lamborghini had a tire malfunction and spun out. She exited the vehicle and was standing on the road’s shoulder when the other car smashed into the passenger side of Smith’s car.

According to a Cleveland police report provided by the Browns, the other driver admitted to drinking. The accident remains under investigation.

The police said Smith was not injured.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam offered their condolences to Smith, who signed with the team last year. Cleveland’s players were told of the accident during a meeting and coach Freddie Kitchens visited Smith at his home.

Smith and Cordero recently celebrated the birth of a daughter.