Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy, 24, was found dead on Sunday, April 13, in Houston. Lacy had declared for the 2025 NFL draft after being involved in a crash in which a 78-year-old man was killed. At the time of his death, he faced multiple charges, including negligent homicide and hit-and-run with death.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Lacy's death was confirmed by an LSU statement shared with ESPN.
"We're saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing."
Similarly, Lacy's attorney, Matthew Ory, shared a statement with ESPN's Mark Schlabach.
"It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic passing of Kyren Lacy," Schlabach wrote. "First and foremost, we ask that the public and the media give his family the space and time they need to grieve this unimaginable loss in peace."
No cause of death was shared by LSU or Lacy's attorney. Several outlets, including WAFB and WBRZ, cite sources claiming that Kyren Lacy had died by suicide, although that is yet to be confirmed.
Kyren's father, Kenny Lacy, posted a statement on
Facebook following his son's death. In it, he encouraged young parents to "start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you.""Don't be cool with 'I'm Alright, or I'm good' when you know deep down something isn't right," Lacy continued. "Mental Health is real, and for the most part, it's invisible. Don't ignore the signs, even if they may seem small."
Negligent Homicide Investigation
According to Louisiana State Police, Kyren Lacy was driving his 2023 Dodge Charger on December 17, 2024, at a "high rate of speed," passing multiple vehicles. As per a news release, Lacy entered into a northbound lane while in a no-passing zone. As a result, a northbound pickup truck braked and swerved to the right to avoid colliding head-on with Lacy's vehicle.
Behind the pickup truck was a 2017 Kia Cadenza, which also had to swerve to avoid colliding with the Dodge. After swerving left, the Cadenza entered into the centerline and collided head-on with a 2017 Kia Sorento traveling southbound. Herman Hall, 78, a passenger in the Kia Sorento, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.
Louisiana police alleged that Lacy "drove around the crash scene and fled." He didn't render aid or call emergency services to report the crash, as per the news release. After issuing an arrest warrant, Kyren Lacy turned himself in on January 12. He was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit and run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.
Two days after the December crash, Kyren Lacy declared for the NFL draft on December 19.
In Ory's statement, he further defends his clients, stating that he was "very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges." As per ESPN, a grand jury was scheduled to begin hearing evidence on Monday, April 14.
