NBA star Rasual Butler was intoxicated during fatal car crash, according to autopsy

Publish date: 2024-05-20

It appears drugs and alcohol may have played a role in the tragic death of the basketball player and his wife.

Months after he figured in a fatal car crash along with his wife, it has now been confirmed that the late Los Angeles Clippers player Rasual Butler had drugs and alcohol in his system at the time of his death.

Source: Getty Images / Global Images of Ukraine

Results of the autopsy report conducted by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office revealed that Butler had alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine and painkillers in his system when he crashed his Range Rover along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City on January 31, killing him and his wife Leah LaBelle.

According to the report released this week, Butler registered a blood alcohol level of .118 which is well above the legal limit. There was also an empty box of Don Julio tequila found in his vehicle behind the passenger seat.

38-year-old Butler who now appears to have been intoxicated was driving his SUV at a reported speed of 60 mph to 90 mph that caused his vehicle to jump a curb, hit multiple parking meters, slam into a concrete wall and flip over. He and his wife were pronounced dead on the scene as a result of their violent crash.

Following his death, the La Clippers released a statement mourning his loss.

"The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him."

Butler last played in the league in 2016. Aside from the Clippers, he also played for the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and San Antonio Spurs,

Meanwhile, his late wife competed in the third season of ‘American Idol” and placed 12th, losing to Fantasia Barino and Jennifer Hudson.

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