Petara Cordero, who turned 26 in July, was struck by an oncoming car shortly after a tire malfunction caused Smith to spin out and hit the median while traveling on I-90 west near West 140th just south of Lakewood around 2 a.m.
According to Cleveland Police, a tire on Smith’s 2019 Lamborghini “blew out which caused the vehicle to veer left and strike the center median wall.”
Smith and Cordero were unharmed after hitting the median and both exited the vehicle. The couple was standing on the north shoulder of I-90 west when an oncoming car veered to the right of the disabled Lamborghini, striking the passenger door that was open before hitting Cordero.
Cleveland Police and EMS arrived on scene shortly after the accident. Cordero was transported to Fairview Hospital by Cleveland EMS where she was pronounced dead.
“Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara,” Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
According to Cleveland Police, Smith was not impaired.
Cordero had just given birth to their daughter, Haven Harris Smith, a few weeks ago while the Browns were in Indianapolis. Smith was excused by the team form the preseason game with the Colts to attend the birth.
The driver that struck Cordero, a 47-year old female, admitted to drinking according to preliminary information gathered by officers on the scene. Toxicology tests are pending.
Both accidents remain under investigation according to Cleveland Police.
The team was notified of the accident in a meeting Wednesday morning and head coach Freddie Kitchens met with Smith at his home.
In addition to the team’s standard in-house resources, the Browns plan to have counselors onsite throughout the week to provide emotional support and care to all players and staff. In addition to having access to various resources through the team, Smith has been excused from team activities.