The sports world was left in shock over the weekend following the tragic news that top NFL prospect and former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy died by suicide.

According to reports, Lacy took his own life late Saturday night (April 12) after crashing his car during a police pursuit. Authorities have not released details regarding the reason for the chase.

Lacy, 24, was facing serious legal trouble at the time of his death. A grand jury was scheduled to consider negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run charges against him on Monday. The charges stemmed from a December 2024 accident in which a 78-year-old former Marine lost his life. Lacy had also been cited for reckless operation of a vehicle.

He voluntarily turned himself in a month after the incident and was released on bail. His attorney, Matthew Ory, expressed confidence in Lacy’s innocence, stating: “I was very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges.” Ory also called for a “full and transparent review” of the investigation into his client.

LSU issued a statement following the heartbreaking news:

“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 father, Kenny, shared a deeply emotional message on Facebook, urging parents to stay closely connected to their children’s mental and emotional health:

“Young parents, 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. Mental health is real, and for the most part, it’s invisible. Don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small.

Our lives have changed forever and this will never be okay, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here. This has to be the biggest pill our families have had to swallow, but I know the love and compassion in our families will get us through. This will never get easier, but we’ll learn to live with it.

Check on your kids’ mental health!”

Source: NBC