Tragic Death of Former LSU Receiver Kyren Lacy Amid Legal Troubles

Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead Saturday night in Houston, as confirmed by an LSU official and his attorney, ESPN reported on Sunday.

The cause of death remains unknown at this time.

Lacy faced allegations of causing a fatal crash on December 17 that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man and was accused of leaving the scene. He turned himself in on January 12, was imprisoned, and later released on a $151,000 bail, according to police records.

Records from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana indicated Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run leading to death, and reckless vehicle operation. Evidence presentation for the case was set to begin on Monday before a grand jury.

“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Kyren Lacy. We kindly ask the public and media to allow his family the privacy to mourn this unimaginable loss,” stated Lacy’s attorney, Matthew Ory, in a statement to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.

Ory expressed confidence that, once all evidence was reviewed, charges would be declined. He also called for a complete and transparent investigation into the case’s handling.

A news release from Louisiana State Police claimed Lacy was allegedly speeding in a 2023 Dodge Charger on Louisiana Highway 20, dangerously overtaking several vehicles in a no-passing zone by crossing the centerline into oncoming traffic.

“While Lacy was illicitly passing other vehicles, a northbound pickup truck driver abruptly braked and swerved to avoid a collision with the Dodge,” stated the Louisiana State Police release.

“A 2017 Kia Cadenza following the pickup also swerved left to avoid the Charger and consequently crossed the centerline, colliding head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento.”

Police allege that Lacy, 24, drove around the crash site and fled without offering help or notifying authorities.

According to state police, Herman Hall, a passenger in the Kia Sorento from Thibodaux, Louisiana, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

Lacy’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, mentioned in a statement that Lacy was “fully cooperating with the authorities.”

Two days after the crash, on December 19, Lacy declared for the NFL draft and did not participate in LSU’s victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. At LSU’s pro day in March, he displayed his abilities, having once been ranked as the No. 6 receiver prospect for the draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper in December. However, he was not among the top 10 wide receivers in Kiper’s recent Big Board.

Lacy had played three seasons at LSU following the start of his career at Louisiana. His best performance came last year, recording 58 receptions for 866 yards and leading the team with nine touchdowns.