The father of Kyren Lacy has spoken out in an emotional statement following the death of the NFL Draft prospect on Saturday night at age 24.
Lacy was considered one of the top prospects coming out of college football ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. But shocking reports emerged on Sunday that he had died. According to WBRZ, the cause of death was suicide.
On Sunday, his father, Kenny Lacy, broke his silence with a stark mental health warning to young parents.
‘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. 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!!!!!!!!!!!’
The father of Kyren Lacy has spoken out following the death of the NFL Draft prospect
The former LSU wide receiver reportedly took his own life at the age of 24 on Saturday
Lacy, 24, was arrested on January 13 after an arrest warrant was issued by local police
Just 18 days ago – on March 26 – Lacy took part in the LSU pro day, when he showed off his ability in front of NFL scouts.
But on Sunday morning, it was reported that the wide receiver was found dead Saturday night in Houston. The Tigers confirmed his passing, writing on social media: ‘The LSU Football family mourns the loss of Kyren Lacy.’
After news of his death broke, Lacy’s memory was honored by many, with NFL stars Jayden Daniels, Odell Bekcham Jr. and Dak Prescott leading the tributes.
Lacy was arrested on January 13 after a warrant was issued by local police over a December 17 car crash that killed a 78-year-old Louisiana man.
Lacy was accused of 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. He was also alleged to have fled the scene.
Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, hit-and-run driving with serious injury or death and reckless operation with accident. He was released on $151,000 bond and back in February, amid the ongoing legal problems, Lacy broke his silence on social media writing to write: ‘Trust the process!!’
Lacy had his career-best year at LSU in 2024, taking 58 catches for 866 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns in 12 games.
Over a three-year stretch with the Tigers, the 6ft 2ins receiver had 112 catches, 1,692 yards and 16 TDs.
Kenny Lacy spoke out in an emotional statement shared on Facebook Sunday
Just 18 days ago – on March 26 – the wide receiver took part in the LSU pro day
Lacy is pictured with his father Kenny (right) and mother Kandace Washington (left)
But Lacy was criticized for declaring for the NFL Draft just two days after the fatal crash.
A Thibodaux, Louisiana native was a passenger in a Kia Sorento that was involved in the collision and later died from his injuries at the hospital, according to state police. Drivers of the Sorento and another vehicle also sustained injuries.
Lacy’s case was set to be heard by a grand jury on Monday, less than 48 hours after his reported death.
However, his lawyer accused police of a ‘witch hunt’ in an astonishing statement following Lacy’s death, branding the charges brought against his client as an ‘overzealous, targeted effort’.
‘It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic passing of Kyren Lacy. First and foremost, we ask that the public and the media give his family the space and time they need to grieve this unimaginable loss in peace,’ Lacy’s lawyer said.
‘Kyren’s was scheduled to have his matter heard before a grand jury tomorrow wherein we were very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges.’
Lacy’s car is not seen in this photo from local Louisiana news station WAFB. Instead, it’s two vehicles police say collided after he recklessly passed several cars on the road
Lacy and LSU coach Brian Kelly are seen before facing the Oklahoma Sooners on November 30
‘From the very beginning, this so-called investigation took on the appearance of an overzealous, targeted effort – what can only be described as a witch hunt – fueled by who Kyren was and the public profile he carried.
‘The decision by the investigating agency to charge him at all, in our view, was not only unjustified, it was disturbing. It’s imperative to understand the Lafourche Parish District Attorney, to this day, has not formally charged Kyren.’
‘[…] 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.’
‘Let us be absolutely clear: This is far from over. We will be demanding a full and transparent review of how this investigation was conducted and why. Those responsible for this gross miscarriage of justice must and will be held accountable.’
