Former-LSU Receiver Kyren Lacy, 24, Died in Apparent Suicide: Report

Lacy took his life in his vehicle late Saturday night while being pursued by law enforcement, according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

NTD Newsroom

Published: 4/14/2025, 11:35:56 PM EDT

Former-LSU Receiver Kyren Lacy, 24, Died in Apparent Suicide: Report — LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Oxford, Miss., on Sept. 30, 2023. (Vasha Hunt/ AP Photo)

Former Louisiana State University (LSU) receiver Kyren Lacy has died in what Texas authorities have described as an apparent suicide while being pursued by police. He was 24 years old.

According to a report from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office released Sunday, Lacy took his own life in his vehicle late Saturday night in Houston while being pursued by law enforcement.

Lacy was already facing serious criminal charges in connection with a fatal car accident in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, in December 2024.

Authorities in Harris County say the chase ended when Lacy crashed his vehicle. When officers approached the car, they found him dead from what appeared on first sight to be a self-inflicted injury.

Lacy was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a statement. “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, took to social media on Sunday with a heartfelt message calling on parents to be more attentive to their children's mental health.

“Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you,” he wrote on Facebook.

“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 ok, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here,” the father continued.

“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!!!!!!!!!!!”

Lacy, who was from Thibodaux, Louisiana, was one of LSU’s standout players last season, leading the team in receiving touchdowns with nine. He also recorded 58 receptions for 866 yards, ranking second on the team in both categories.

Lace did not participate in LSU’s Texas Bowl victory over the Baylor Bears on Dec. 31, which came just days after the Louisiana car crash.

According to a Louisiana State Police report, Lacy was driving recklessly—speeding and crossing the center line in a no-passing zone—when another driver swerved to avoid his Dodge Charger, resulting in a head-on collision. The crash claimed the life of 78-year-old Herman Hall of Thibodaux, who later died at the hospital, and left two more people injured. Police said Lacy drove around the crash scene before fleeing, without providing help or contacting emergency services.

The incident significantly affected Lacy’s prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, for which he had declared earlier this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.