Kyren Lacy, a former wide receiver for both Louisiana and LSU, tragically passed away on Saturday night, as reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
He was just 24 years old. According to WBRZ 2, the cause of death was suicide.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 212 pounds, Lacy was known for his size and precise route-running, qualities that made him a promising NFL prospect. After spending the 2023 season behind stars Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers, Lacy stepped up as LSU’s top receiving option in 2024.
He finished his final college season with 58 receptions, 866 yards, and nine touchdowns, positioning himself as a likely pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
However, his draft prospects were significantly affected following his alleged connection to a fatal accident involving a 78-year-old man and multiple injuries to others. While Lacy’s vehicle reportedly did not directly collide with any others, prosecutors allege he was illegally passing cars in a no-passing zone.
One vehicle in the oncoming lane had to brake suddenly to avoid a crash, prompting another vehicle behind it to swerve into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on collision. Lacy allegedly continued driving, did not stop to help, and failed to report the incident. He declared for the draft two days later, according to Fox8Live.com.
Lacy turned himself in roughly a month after a warrant was issued for his arrest and was later released on a $151,000 bond. WBRZ 2 reported that a grand jury was scheduled to begin reviewing the case this Monday.
He faced several charges, including negligent homicide, hit and run, and reckless driving. His defense attorney maintained that it was another driver—not Lacy—who caused the deadly crash.
