Kyren Lacy, a former LSU football student-athlete, died tragically on October 18 at 24 years old. According to reports, he took his own life as police chased him through Houston. Lacy’s death came just minutes after he had crashed his car while fleeing police in pursuit. His sudden death has left the sports world reeling.
According to authorities, Lacy was running away from police. In the confusion, he was unable to maintain control of his truck and ended up crashing. Emergency responders according to UH said that he died at the scene. A preliminary investigation into the circumstances of Lacy’s death is ongoing. As with Tatum, it has not been disputed that he was unaccompanied in his vehicle when pulled over.
Lacy’s life had been on a downward spiral since a deadly car wreck in Louisiana last December. He was reportedly driving in a dangerous manner, at high speed and passing on a double yellow when he crashed into another car head-on. A motorist who had to swerve to avoid Lacy’s Dodge Charger head-on crashed into another car, killing its driver and seriously injuring its passenger. In the wake of this episode, Lacy had legal troubles that cost him dearly in terms of his potential National Football League (NFL) draft position.
And just days before the car accident that took his life, Lacy had announced his intention to enter the NFL draft. His talent was clear as he topped LSU with nine touchdown catches the year before. This misleading reputation had immediate and long-term repercussions on his career. His draft stock understandably fell like a stone because of the legal woes that ensued.
LSU released a statement expressing their sorrow:
“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kyren Lacy.” – LSU
Lacy’s untimely passing is a reminder of the unique pressures that student-athletes, especially those walking the tightrope of transition from amateur to professional sports, endure. The compounded impact of an ongoing mental health epidemic and a global personal crisis has proven to be devastating, as seen in this awful situation.
