Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead on Saturday night, April 12, in Houston, Texas, from an apparent suicide following a police pursuit, ESPN reports. Authorities in Harris County confirmed that the 23-year-old took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing his vehicle while being pursued by law enforcement.
The incident began when law enforcement received a distress call from a woman reporting that Lacy had discharged a firearm into the ground during an intense verbal altercation. By the time officers arrived on the scene, Lacy had already fled in a vehicle. A pursuit ensued, ending in a crash. When officers approached the wreckage, they found Lacy dead inside the vehicle.
Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
At the time of his death, Lacy was facing multiple criminal charges related to a fatal car accident in Louisiana in December 2024. He had been charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle in connection with the crash, which killed a former U.S. Marine. A grand jury was scheduled to hear evidence in the case on Monday, April 14.
In a heartfelt statement, LSU expressed condolences to Lacy’s family and the broader LSU community:
“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” the university said. “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 Facebook to mourn the loss and issue a powerful message about the importance of mental health:
“Mental health is real, and for the most part, it’s invisible. Don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small,” he wrote. “Our lives have changed forever and this will never be ok, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here.”
Kyren Lacy had just declared for the NFL Draft on December 19, just two days after the fatal crash. He participated in LSU’s pro day in March and was previously ranked as high as the No. 6 wide receiver prospect by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. in December 2024. During his final season, Lacy recorded 58 receptions for 866 yards and nine touchdowns, solidifying his status as a rising talent in football.
His death has sent shockwaves through the sports world, prompting conversations around the mental and emotional pressures young athletes face—especially under the weight of legal battles, public scrutiny, and looming professional expectations.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.
