Kyren Lacy, a 24-year-old former wide receiver for Louisiana State University (LSU) and recent NFL Draft prospect, was found dead in Houston on Saturday night, according to a statement from his legal representative on Sunday. The cause of death is suspected to be suicide, according to multiple sources.
Lacy’s death comes just months after his arrest in connection with a fatal accident that claimed the life of a 78-year-old man last December. The case was scheduled to go before a grand jury on Monday. Lacy, who had participated in LSU’s pro day on March 26, was facing charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run resulting in death, and reckless operation of a vehicle.
The former LSU player was accused of driving recklessly in a 2023 Dodge Charger, crossing the center line in a no-passing zone, and causing other drivers to swerve, which led to the death of the elderly man, identified as Herman Hall. Lacy was also accused of fleeing the scene.
According to a statement from the Louisiana State Police Department in January, Lacy was allegedly driving at high speed, passing multiple vehicles by crossing the centerline into the northbound lane in a designated No-Passing Zone. This alleged reckless driving led to a series of evasive actions by other drivers, culminating in a fatal collision involving a 2017 Kia Sorento. Lacy is said to have left the scene without offering assistance or reporting his involvement.
Lacy’s attorney confirmed his client’s death in a statement to WAFB-TV, expressing confidence that the grand jury hearing would have resulted in a dismissal of charges. The attorney criticized the investigation, describing it as an overzealous, targeted effort influenced by Lacy’s public profile. He pointed out that the Lafourche Parish District Attorney had not formally charged Lacy.
Lacy, who began his college career at Louisiana-Lafayette before transferring to LSU for three seasons, was a promising young man, according to his attorney. During the 2024 season, he had 58 catches for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.