HOUSTON, TX – Kyren Lacy, a former LSU wide receiver and rising NFL hopeful, has died at the age of 24 following a tragic incident late Friday night, officials with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
According to authorities, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Willowbend Apartments near Houston. A relative who witnessed the incident told law enforcement that Lacy had fled the scene in his personal vehicle following an argument in the parking lot.
Around 11:35 p.m., a Harris County Precinct 4 deputy located Lacy’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Lacy reportedly refused to stop, prompting a high-speed pursuit that spanned several miles. The chase came to an end near the 25900 block of Aldine Westfield Road when Lacy’s vehicle crashed.
When deputies approached the wreckage, they discovered Lacy had suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle. According to a preliminary review of bodycam and dashboard footage, no shots were fired by law enforcement after the pursuit ended.
The vehicle was confirmed to be registered and insured in Lacy’s name. An autopsy is pending to officially determine the cause and manner of death.
A Promising Career Clouded by Legal Troubles
Lacy’s death comes just days before he was scheduled to appear before a grand jury in Louisiana. In January 2025, he turned himself in to Louisiana State Police after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was facing charges of felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle, stemming from a December 17 crash in Lafourche Parish that killed a 78-year-old man. Authorities alleged that Lacy fled the scene without reporting the incident or rendering aid.
The high-profile nature of the case placed Lacy under intense public scrutiny in the months leading up to his death. Though charges had not yet been formally filed by the Lafourche Parish District Attorney, the case had already garnered widespread media attention and affected Lacy’s standing in the professional football world.
LSU and Legal Counsel React
LSU issued a statement Saturday mourning the loss of the former student-athlete:
“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 attorney, Matthew Ory, issued a strong statement following the news, criticizing the investigation and media portrayal of his client.
“Kyren was a young man with immense promise, and he was crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process,” Ory said. “This investigation had all the markings of a witch hunt fueled by who Kyren was and the public profile he carried.”
Ory also claimed that Lacy’s case was mishandled from the start, stating that they had been confident the grand jury would decline to indict him. He noted the psychological toll the case had taken on Lacy, citing relentless negative media coverage and a lack of due process—including the NFL allegedly removing him from draft consideration based solely on accusations.
“There was never a presumption of innocence,” Ory added. “The pressure and perception likely became unbearable.”
Remembering Kyren Lacy
Kyren Lacy played three seasons of college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before transferring to LSU, where he emerged as a standout receiver. Known for his size, athleticism, and work ethic, Lacy was training in hopes of hearing his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Friends and supporters flooded social media with tributes following his death, remembering him as a determined athlete, loyal friend, and vibrant personality both on and off the field.
As the investigation into his death continues, Lacy’s family and legal team have called for a full and transparent review of the events and decisions that led to this outcome.
“Let us be absolutely clear: This is far from over,” Ory said. “Those responsible for this gross miscarriage of justice must and will be held accountable.”
The Lacy family is asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son.