Former LSU wide receiver and NFL prospect Kyren Lacy dies from apparent ‘self-inflicted gunshot wound,’ authorities say
LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy plays against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium in October 2022. Former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver Kyren Lacy has died
By Wayne Sterling, CNN
(CNN) — Former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver Kyren Lacy died from an apparent “self-inflicted gunshot wound” following a police pursuit in Texas, local authorities said Sunday. He was 24.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Constable’s Office responded to a weapons disturbance call Saturday night where Lacy and a family member were involved in a verbal argument.
Lacy discharged a firearm into the ground, according to a release from the sheriff’s office, and left the scene in a vehicle before authorities arrived.
The police later spotted Lacy’s vehicle and tried to make a traffic stop, the release said. “Lacy then fled and a vehicle pursuit took place spanning several miles. … The suspect vehicle crashed.”
The sheriff’s office said when authorities tried to remove him from the vehicle to arrest him, they “discovered he had suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
“Preliminary information indicates Lacy shot himself during the pursuit and prior to the vehicle crashing,” the release added.
The Harris County of Institute of Forensic Sciences will conduct an autopsy.
CNN has reached out to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office, Lacy’s attorney and agent for comment.
“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a statement to CNN. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”
In January, Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle after police said Lacy caused a December 17 automobile accident in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall and injured two other people.
Lacy turned himself in and was later released on $151,000 bail on January 12, according to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office’s online records.
According to a January police news release, Lacy was behind the wheel of a 2023 Dodge Charger, driving “recklessly” and illegally passing other vehicles while driving at a “high rate of speed.” He is accused of “crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated No-Passing Zone.”
The police stated that Lacy’s actions caused the driver of a 2017 Kia Cadenza to swerve over the centerline to avoid impact with the Charger. The Cadenza then “collided head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento.”
Lacy’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said in January that the facts of the case “will ultimately demonstrate the truth, but we respect the need for a full and thorough investigation.”
A grand jury was scheduled to start hearing evidence Monday, CNN affiliate WAFB reports, according to his lawyer.
Two days after the fatal accident, Lacy posted on X that he was declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, which takes place from April 24-26. Lacy did not play in the Tigers’ 44-31 Texas Bowl victory against Baylor University on December 31.
The Thibodaux, Louisiana, native played the last three seasons at LSU after transferring from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Last season, Lacy was tied for most receiving touchdowns in the Southeastern Conference with nine. He started 12 games, catching 58 passes for 866 yards.
In 39 games, Lacy caught 112 passes for 1,692 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Tigers.
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This story has been updated with additional information.
