Kyren Lacy, a promising NFL Draft prospect, passes away at age 24 following arrest for negligent homicide

Kyren Lacy, a former wide receiver for LSU, tragically ended his own life at the young age of 24. This devastating incident occurred just days before he was scheduled to appear in court to face allegations of negligent homicide.

Lacy was considered one of the top prospects coming out of college football ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

But shocking reports emerged on Sunday that he had died. According to WBRZ, the cause of death was suicide.

Lacy was arrested on January 13 after a warrant was issued by local police over a December 17 car crash that killed a 78-year-old Louisiana man.

The accusations against Lacy revolved around reckless driving behavior, which involved speeding and illegally passing in a no-passing zone. These actions resulted in another motorist swerving to avoid Lacy’s Dodge Charger and ultimately crashing into another vehicle. Additionally, Lacy was accused of leaving the scene of the accident.

Lacy faced serious charges including negligent homicide, hit-and-run driving causing serious injury or death, and reckless operation resulting in an accident. Despite being released on a $151,000 bond, Lacy found himself in a challenging legal situation. In February, amidst these legal troubles, Lacy took to social media to share a cryptic message, stating: ‘Trust the process!!’

Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy has reportedly taken his own life at the age of 24

Lacy, 24, was arrested on January 13 after an arrest warrant was issued by local police

Just 18 days ago – on March 26 – the wide receiver took part in the LSU pro day

Just 18 days ago – on March 26 – the wide receiver took part in the LSU pro day, when he showed off his ability in front of NFL scouts. 

But on Sunday morning, it was reported that Lacy was found dead Saturday night in Houston.

Lacy’s friend Rontrell Sandolph posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media on Sunday, asking: ‘Why would u leave me bro?’

‘I’m so lost for words… I went to sleep 4 times and woke up to see if that was a dream,’ he wrote. ‘All the talks, all the tears, everything, you know GOD had us! Yk (you know) we protected everyday we wake up and go to sleep. 

‘I promise i tell u this everyday, i prayed for ur career, ur health, everything everytime i laid my head on that pillow at night!! Even if i fell asleep without saying my prayers i wake up in middle of night and still talk to GOD for you!!! 2 why would u leave me bro?’

Sandolph continued: ‘I’ll never be good on this earth again!! We promised we had each other through it all & we did but 2 (Lacy’s jersey number) why!!?? IF NOBODY WAS HERE FOR YOU , RONTRELL IS & yk this Bro!!!!!! 

‘The dreams we had started to kick in, you making it to NFL & me playing ball Overseas!!! Our dreams was coming to reality… We talked and cried and laughed it off everyday bro!!! I can’t f***ing do this s*** without you… watch over me & don’t let me quit for nothing!!! & i can’t forget, YOU WAS A LEGEND.’

Lacy had his career-best year at LSU in 2024, taking 58 catches for 866 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns in 12 games.

Lacy’s car is not seen in this photo from local Louisiana news station WAFB. Instead, it’s two vehicles police say collided after he recklessly passed several cars on the road 

Lacy and LSU coach Brian Kelly are seen before facing the Oklahoma Sooners on November 30

Over a three-year stretch with the Tigers, the 6ft 2ins receiver had 112 catches, 1,692 yards and 16 TDs.

But Lacy was criticized for declaring for the NFL Draft just two days after the fatal crash.

Thibodaux, Louisiana native Hall was a passenger in a Kia Sorento that was involved in the collision and later died from his injuries at the hospital, according to state police. Drivers of the Sorento and another vehicle also sustained injuries.

According to his attorney Matthew Ory, however, the standout receiver did not believe he was at fault for the crash.

‘The collision that resulted in the death of Mr. Herman was not caused by Mr. Lacy’s actions,’ Ory wrote in a statement. 

‘The accident occurred directly in front of him when a second vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed the centerline and collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle, in which he was a passenger.

‘We are of information and belief that the vehicle that collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle was issued a citation. At no time did Mr. Lacy’s vehicle strike the rear of Mr. Herman’s vehicle, nor did any of the vehicles Mr. Lacy passed collide with his. After the collision occurred in front of Mr. Lacey, he cautiously went around the vehicles after passage was safe.’

Ory’s claims conflict with a previous statement from Louisiana police, who insist it was Lacy who ‘recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed’ before ‘crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated No-Passing Zone.’

Ory also insisted that the police are wrong about the his client’s actions after the crash.

In three years with the Tigers, the 6ft 2ins receiver had 112 catches, 1,692 yards and 16 TDs

‘On the day of the accident, Mr. Lacy was driving on a road with two lanes in each direction,’ Ory wrote. ‘While he briefly passed other vehicles, he safely reentered his lane without incident.

‘It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved. Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never ‘’returned’’ to the scene of the accident.

‘Mr. Lacy’s actions following the incident, including sharing graduation pictures and engaging in training, were never intended to minimize the tragedy that occurred,’ Ory continued.

‘He did not believe he was at fault for the accident, and as such, he continued with his daily activities.

‘Throughout his career, Mr. Lacy has been an exemplary community member and teammate. We ask that he not be judged prematurely, and we are confident that further investigation will show he acted within the bounds of the law. I will vigorously defend his innocence in this case.’

When he announced his decision to enter the NFL draft, the receiver said: ‘I want to express my appreciation to all my coaches, support staff and trainers for helping me develop as a football player but most importantly as a person.

‘Although we didn’t accomplish our goal of winning a national championship, I promise to take all of those life lessons with me in the next chapter of my life.’

If you are struggling, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline