Ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy died in apparent suicide during police pursuit | Law Enforcement Today

HARRISON COUNTY, TX - A report released by authorities with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office (HSCO) stated that former LSU receiver Kryen Lacy, 24, died in an apparent suicide in his car while being pursued by police in Houston. 

According to CBS News, HCSO said it was first called out to a weapons disturbance by a relative saying Lacy had been involved in a verbal argument with her and that he had discharged a firearm into the ground. Responding officers learned that Lacy had fled the scene in a vehicle.

HCSO said that roughly 20 minutes later, a "Constable's Office unit spotted Lacy and attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle. Lacy then fled and a vehicle pursuit took place spanning several miles ... Upon attempting to take Lacy into custody and remove him from the vehicle, the constables discovered he had suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound." HCSO said that Lacy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lacy was already facing criminal charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Louisiana in December 2024 that had clouded his NFL prospects. In a statement, LSU said, "We're saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kryen Lucy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing."

Lacy, who led LSU in receiving touchdowns with nine last season, had declared for this month's NFL draft, but his draft stock plummeted after his alleged involvement in an accident that killed a 78-year-old man in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. 

Lacy, who is from Thibodauz, Louisiana, was allegedly driving recklessly — speeding and passing in a no-passing zone, when a motorist who was swerving to avoid Lacy's Dodge Charger crashed head-on into another vehicle. Herman Hall of Thibodaux, who was involved in the head-on crash, died after being transported to the hospital.

Authorities with State Police Troop C in Gray, Louisiana, said Lacy fled the scene of the accident without calling for help. Lacy was later booked with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office said that Lacy died a day before a grand jury was set to start hearing evidence on his alleged involvement in the crash that killed Hall. In a statement, Lacy's lawyer stressed that the Lafourche Parish District Attorney had not formally charged his client. 

The lawyer said, "Kyren was a young man with immense promise and he was crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process. There was never a presumption of innocence, which was exemplified by the NFL pulling his draft card over mere accusations without affording him the slightest chance to defend himself. The pressure and perception likely became unbearable."

Lacy played in 12 games for LSU last season and was second on the team in catches with 58 and yards receiving with 886. He declared for the NFL draft just days after the accident and did not play in LSU's victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on December 31, 2024. WWLTV reported that Lacy's father, Kenny Lacy spoke about his son's death in a social media post.

He wrote, "Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you. 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. 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!!!!!!!!!"