Girlfriend Of Browns Player Killed In Accident On I-90

CLEVELAND — Petara Cordero, a 26-year-old woman and girlfriend of Cleveland Browns player Chris Smith, was killed in a car accident on I-90 on early Wednesday, Cleveland police announced. No charges have yet been filed in connection to the crash.

At 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Smith's 2019 Lamborghini blew out a tire and the car swerved left and hit the center median wall. Smith and Cordero got out of the car and were standing on the north shoulder of I-90 West, near the W. 140th Street exit ramp.

A short time later, a 2017 Mazda 3 veered to the right of the Lamborghini, hit the passenger doors of the car and then hit Cordero. The 26-year-old was taken to Fairview Hospital by Cleveland EMS and was later pronounced dead.

Smith and Cordero recently welcomed a baby girl into the world.

“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.”

The driver of the Mazda was also taken to Fairvew Hospital. Police said she admitted to drinking and driving, but toxicology reports are still pending.

Smith was not hurt in the crash and was not impaired, police said. The cause of both crashes is still under investigation. No charges have yet been filed in the case.

The Browns said Smith will allowed to grieve however he needs, including missing team functions or games. The organization will have counselors brought in for players or staff to meet with throughout the week.