In a tragic turn of events, former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead late Saturday night, April 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit. He was just 24 years old.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lacy's death came just a day before a grand jury was set to hear evidence regarding his alleged involvement in a fatal car accident that occurred in December 2024. According to the authorities, Lacy was involved in a crash that claimed the life of 78-year-old Herman Hall in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
LSU Athletics expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, "We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing." The statement reflects the profound loss felt not only by his family but also by the LSU community.
Lacy was reportedly facing serious charges, including negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle, stemming from the December 17, 2024, accident. Reports indicate that he was driving recklessly when another motorist swerved to avoid him, resulting in a head-on collision that led to Hall's death.
After the incident, Lacy turned himself in to authorities on January 12, 2025, and was released on bond. However, his prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft took a significant hit as his draft stock fell amid the legal troubles. Lacy had declared for the NFL Draft just days after the accident, hoping to showcase his talents at the professional level.
Before his untimely death, Lacy had a promising career at LSU, where he played for three seasons after transferring from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In his final season, he led the Tigers with nine touchdown receptions, finishing the year with 58 catches for 866 yards in 12 games. His collegiate career totals include 162 catches for 2,360 yards and 26 touchdowns across 64 games played.
According to reports from CBS News and local Baton Rouge station WAFB-TV, Lacy's death was confirmed by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office. An unnamed family member stated that Lacy died in the Houston area, but the cause of death was not immediately confirmed by the LSU Athletics Department.
On the evening of his death, law enforcement responded to a call from a family member who reported that Lacy had shot a gun into the ground. When authorities attempted to stop his vehicle about 20 minutes later, he fled, leading to a pursuit that ended with his car crashing. Upon their arrival at the scene, officers discovered Lacy with a gunshot wound and a handgun inside the vehicle.
Lacy's lawyer, Matthew Ory, released a statement expressing that the investigation surrounding the charges against Lacy was a "witch hunt" and criticized the lack of a presumption of innocence afforded to him. Ory stated, "Kyren was a young man with immense promise, and he was crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process." He also pointed out that the pressure and perception surrounding the case likely became unbearable for Lacy.
In the wake of his death, Lacy's father, Kenny Lacy, took to social media to urge parents to check on their children's mental health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of distress. In a heartfelt message, he wrote, "Our lives have changed forever and this will never be OK, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here." He expressed the family's deep sorrow and the challenges they would face moving forward.
The LSU Football family is now mourning the loss of a talented young athlete who showed great promise in his career. The university's athletics department has reiterated their condolences, stating that they will support Lacy's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
As the investigation surrounding the circumstances of Lacy's death continues, it will be reviewed by the district attorney’s civil rights division, a standard procedure for incidents involving fatalities during police attempts to make an arrest.
Lacy's tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by young athletes, particularly those navigating the transition to professional sports amid personal and legal challenges. The impact of his loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, teammates, and the broader LSU community.
As the sports world reflects on Lacy's life and career, many will remember the potential he had to make a significant impact on the field. His journey, though cut short, highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for young athletes.
