Ex-NBA Player and Wife in Fatal Solo-Car Crash on Ventura Boulevard Near Arch Drive
STUDIO CITY, CA (January 31, 2018) – A fatal single-car crash was reported by the California Highway Patrol on the 11200 block of Ventura Boulevard, early Wednesday morning around 2:30 AM.
A dark-colored Range Rover traveling at high speeds lost control, ran into 3 parking meters, hit a concrete wall, and overturned serval times before coming to a stop in a nearby parking lot.
Rescuers and authorities arrived at the scene of the crash. Jaws of life was used to extract the victims from the severely damaged car. 38-year-old ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBella, were pronounced dead on the scene.
Ventura Boulevard was closed from Vineland Avenue through Tujunga Avenue for investigation and clearing of the road. It reopened about three hours later, around 6 AM. The Range Rover was reportedly traveling between 60-90 mph around a curve on Ventura where the speed limit was 30 mph.
Police believe that speed was the main cause of the fatal accident.
Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rasual Butler and Leah LaBella. The couple had been bowling at Pins in Studio City an hour and half before the incident. Butler was a former basketball player in the NBA and played for teams like Miami Heat and the LA Clippers. LaBella was a former contestant on American Idol. May they rest in peace.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a high-speed car accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Sweet Law Group. Our personal injury lawyers will support and guide you through the legal process, answering any questions or concerns that you may have along the way. Call us at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation, or contact us through email, text message, or online chat.
