Girlfriend of DE Smith killed in crash

Tragedy struck the Browns on Sept. 11 when Petara Cordero, the girlfriend of Browns defensive end Chris Smith, was killed in a car accident on Interstate 90 in Cleveland.

Cordero and Smith were pulled over on the side of the highway after Smith’s vehicle had a tire malfunction, resulting in a one-car accident as the vehicle entered a spin and ultimately hit the median. Cordero exited the car with no significant injuries and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Cleveland Police and paramedics arrived on scene shortly after the incident but were unable to save Cordero.

Smith, who had been driving his 2019 Lamborghini, was not impaired, according to Cleveland Police.

“Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “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.”

Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens visited Smith at the defensive end’s home early on Sept. 11 and then informed teammates at a team meeting later in the day.

Smith and Cordero last month became parents of daughter Haven Harris Smith.

Smith was excused from the preseason game with the Colts on Aug. 17 so he could witness his daughter’s birth.

Smith, in his sixth NFL season and second with the Browns after three years with Jacksonville and one in Cincinnati, is 27 years old. He played in all 16 games last season with two starts. He made 21 tackles and had one sack. Smith played but did not register a tackle in the season opener against the Titans.

The Browns have excused Smith from team activities to give him time to grieve.

The cause of both crashes remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed.

MARK LOMOGLIO — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Chris Smith sacks Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during the first half of a preseason game Aug. 23 in Tampa, Fla.