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Slain former Saints defensive end to be laid to rest

Former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas, reacts with former New Orleans policeman William Ceravolo, partially visible center, near the casket of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith during a public viewing inside the Saints training facility in Metairie, La., Friday, April 15, 2016. Smith was shot to death this past Saturday, and his wife wounded by gunfire, after an altercation following a traffic accident. Both Ceravolo and Thomas were with Smith the night of the shooting. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas, reacts with former New Orleans policeman William Ceravolo, partially visible center, near the casket of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith during a public viewing inside the Saints training facility in Metairie, La., Friday, April 15, 2016. Smith was shot to death this past Saturday, and his wife wounded by gunfire, after an altercation following a traffic accident. Both Ceravolo and Thomas were with Smith the night of the shooting. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas, reacts with former New Orleans policeman William Ceravolo, partially visible center, near the casket of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith during a public viewing inside the Saints training facility in Metairie, La., Friday, April 15, 2016. Smith was shot to death this past Saturday, and his wife wounded by gunfire, after an altercation following a traffic accident. Both Ceravolo and Thomas were with Smith the night of the shooting. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Funeral services are to be held for former defensive end Will Smith, who was shot and killed a week ago.

A private funeral and burial are to be held Saturday.

Smith died a week ago after police say he was shot by 28-year-old Cardell Hayes during a traffic altercation.

A visitation was held Friday at the Saints practice facility in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.

Fans – many wearing their black and gold Saints gear – gathered to pay their respects at Smith’s orchid-covered coffin.

Members of the Saints team and staff gathered as well, hugging each other and walking up to the coffin to pay homage.

Nearby, a video screen showed snippets of Smith’s famous tackles and sacks as well as photos from his life off the field.