Leah LaBelle, a 2004 finalist on American Idol, and her husband, former basketball player Rasual Butler, have been killed in a single-car crash in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department said LaBelle (31) and Butler (38) were travelling in a car that Butler was driving at high speed when it left the road and hit the kerb in the early hours of Wednesday morning, US time.
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It is reported that the car then hit a number of parking meters and a wall before flipping over twice.
Both LaBelle and Butler were pronounced dead at the scene.
Leah LaBelle Vladowski was born in Toronto, Canada to Hungarian musician parents and grew up in the US city of Seattle, Washington.
As a teenager, she finished twelfth on the third season of American Idol in 2004 and was later signed to a record deal by Pharrell Williams.
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During a 13-year career with the National Basketball Association in the US, Butler played for 14 teams including Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs.
He also appeared in episodes of reality show Khloé & Lamar with Khloé Kardashian and his former teammate, Lamar Odom.
Tributes have been paid to the couple:
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and many fans of our former Idol Leah LaBelle and her husband Rasual Butler, who passed away early this morning. May they rest in peace ❤️
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 1, 2018
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Very sad to hear about my guy Rasual and his wife Leah. Great people. Such a lost. Please pray for the family. https://t.co/AOLhJaxF7o
— Ice Cube (@icecube) January 31, 2018
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. pic.twitter.com/Hti86knOXa
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 31, 2018
Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of former Pacers player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/ezdVkM12PG
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 31, 2018
.@leahlabelle was beautiful & had the voice of an ANGEL. She was my wild card pick on @AmericanIdol. I’m heartbroken to know that she & her husband @RasualButler45 have passed away. What a horrible tragedy. I send my love and deepest condolences to her family and friends.
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) February 1, 2018
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