Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead in his car on Saturday night in Houston, Texas, in what authorities are investigating as an apparent suicide. According to a report from the Harrison County sheriff's office, Lacy, 24, was being pursued by law enforcement officials when the pursuit ended in a crash. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered that Lacy had already died. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
At the time of his death, Lacy was facing significant legal challenges stemming from a fatal car accident that occurred in Louisiana last December. In that incident, Lacy was accused of causing a crash that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man. Following this tragic event, Lacy fled the scene without rendering aid or contacting authorities. After turning himself in on January 12, he was jailed briefly before being released on a $151,000 bail.
Legal records from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office revealed that Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run resulting in death, and reckless operation of a vehicle. A grand jury was scheduled to begin reviewing the evidence in his case on the Monday following his passing.
The LSU community expressed deep sorrow regarding Lacy's passing. In a heartfelt statement, LSU said, "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." Lacy's father, Kenny Lacy, took to social media to emphasize the importance of mental health, urging parents to check in on their children regularly. He wrote, "Our lives have changed forever and this will never be ok, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here."
Lacy's attorney, Matthew Ory, released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss. He requested that the public and media respect the family’s need for privacy during this difficult time. Ory expressed confidence that a thorough review of the evidence would lead to a declination of charges against Lacy, advocating for a comprehensive examination of the investigation's conduct.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his life, Lacy had aspirations of playing professionally. He declared for the NFL draft shortly after the December accident and participated in LSU's pro day in March. At one point, he was ranked as the No. 6 receiver prospect in the draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., although he did not appear in LSU's Texas Bowl victory over Baylor.
Lacy had a notable career at LSU, having played three seasons after starting at Louisiana. His best season came last year, when he recorded 58 receptions for 866 yards and led the team with nine touchdowns. His promising future as a professional athlete was overshadowed by the tragic events that unfolded in his life.
The loss of Kyren Lacy highlights the critical issues of mental health, the pressures faced by young athletes, and the importance of support systems for individuals navigating challenging circumstances.
