Kyren Lacy, a 24-year-old former LSU wide receiver and NFL draft hopeful, died by apparent suicide on April 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred after Lacy led authorities on a vehicle chase following a weapons disturbance call involving a verbal argument with a family member during which he discharged a firearm into the ground. After fleeing the scene, Lacy was pursued by police, and the chase ended when his vehicle crashed. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies found that Lacy had suffered a self- inflicted gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene
. Lacy had been facing serious legal issues stemming from a December 2023 car crash in Louisiana that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man, Herman Hall. He was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle. The legal troubles and media scrutiny reportedly weighed heavily on him. His lawyer stated that Lacy was "crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process" and that there was never a presumption of innocence
. Following his death, Lacy’s father urged parents to talk openly with their children about mental health, emphasizing the reality and importance of addressing mental health issues early
. Lacy was a talented football player who had caught 58 passes for 866 yards and nine touchdowns in his last season at LSU. He declared for the NFL draft shortly after the fatal accident but was not invited to the NFL Combine due to the pending legal case
. In summary, Kyren Lacy died by suicide amid legal and personal struggles, highlighting the critical need for mental health awareness and support
