Kyren Lacy’s Death: Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was discovered deceased on Saturday night in Houston, with preliminary reports indicating he died by suicide in his vehicle while being pursued by law enforcement, as detailed in a Harris County (Texas) sheriff’s report released on Sunday.
Harris County officials reported that police were dispatched following a call from a female relative who claimed Lacy had fired a gun into the ground during a heated argument late Saturday night. Upon arrival, officers learned that Lacy had fled the scene in a car.
Authorities stated that their pursuit of Lacy concluded when he crashed his vehicle. When officers approached to assist him, they found that he had succumbed to what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lacy, aged 24, was declared dead at the scene by emergency personnel. He had been facing criminal charges related to a fatal car accident in Louisiana that occurred in December. LSU expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss 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 affected by his passing.”
In a social media message on Sunday, Lacy’s father, Kenny Lacy, encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s mental health from an early age.
“Our lives have changed forever, and this will never be okay, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here,” Kenny Lacy shared on Facebook. “This is undoubtedly the hardest reality our families have had to face, but I believe the love and support within our families will help us endure.”
Kyren Lacy was charged with causing a crash that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man on December 17 and subsequently fleeing the scene without providing assistance or notifying authorities. He surrendered to law enforcement on January 12, was incarcerated, and later released on a $151,000 bail, according to police records.
Records from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana revealed that Lacy faces charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless vehicle operation. A grand jury is scheduled to commence its examination of the evidence in this case on Monday.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely Kyren Lacy’s death. We kindly request that both the public and the media allow his family the necessary time and space to mourn this unimaginable loss in peace,” stated Lacy’s attorney, Matthew Ory, in a message to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
Ory expressed his strong belief that once all evidence is thoroughly gathered and assessed, it would result in the dismissal of charges. He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the conduct of this case.
Lacy declared for the NFL draft on December 19, just two days following the incident, and did not participate in LSU’s victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. He took part in LSU’s pro day in March and was previously ranked as high as the sixth-best receiver prospect in the draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. in December. However, he was not listed among the top ten wide receivers in Kiper’s latest Big Board released last month.
Lacy spent three seasons at LSU after beginning his collegiate career at Louisiana. His most productive season came last year, during which he recorded 58 receptions for 866 yards and led the team with nine touchdowns.
