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Football star's unimaginable tragedy four weeks after birth of daughter

The girlfriend of Cleveland Browns star Chris Smith has been killed in a road accident just four weeks after giving birth to their daughter.

Petara Cordero was struck and killed on Interstate 90 in Cleveland after their car became disabled.

Smith and Petara Cordero, who had their first child together just four weeks ago, went out on Tuesday night, and a tire on Smith's 2019 Lamborghini blew out.

As a result, the sports car veered to the left and struck a centre median strip, forcing Smith and Cordero out of the car.

Chris Smith, pictured here during a Cleveland Browns practice session earlier in 2019.
Chris Smith looks on during a Cleveland Browns practice session. (Photo by: 2019 Diamond Images via Getty Images)

A 47-year-old woman driving a 2017 Mazda 3 then hit the open passenger door of the Lamborghini, striking Cordero.

The woman admitted to police she had been drinking, and toxicology results are pending.

Cordero was taken to Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, where she was pronounced dead.

Earlier Tuesday, Smith told cleveland.com how excited he was that Petara and daughter Haven had flown up from Charlotte to see him this weekend.

He said he was blessed and grateful to have them in his life along with his two children from a previous relationship, and shared how happy he was.

Browns shattered for Smith

"Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for Chris following the loss of his girlfriend, Petara," Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement.

"Our entire organisation 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."

Smith, 27, is in his second season with the Browns after spending three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-16) and one with the Cincinnati Bengals (2017).

Players were informed of the tragedy during a team meeting on Wednesday morning.

Browns coach Freddie Kitchens visited Smith at his home earlier Wednesday and teammates have been visiting as well, cleveland.com reported. Smith is one of the best-liked players on the team.

The Browns will have counsellors at the team facility this week to provide emotional support and care to players and staff, in addition to their usual in-house resources.

with Yahoo Sports