Former LSU player Kyren Lacy, aged 24, has died by apparent suicide in his car while being pursued by authorities in Houston, as reported by the Harrison County sheriff’s office.
Lacy was already facing criminal charges due to a fatal car accident in Louisiana last December, which threatened his chances of joining the National Football League.
Officials in Harris County stated that their pursuit of Lacy on Saturday night ended when Lacy crashed his vehicle; upon reaching the car to assist Lacy, it was found that he had died from an apparent suicide, according to a report released on Sunday.
Emergency responders confirmed Lacy’s death at the scene.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of former LSU football player Kyren Lacy,” an LSU statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches affected by this loss.”
Lacy, who led the team in touchdowns receiving with nine last season, had registered for the NFL draft this month. However, his draft prospects sharply declined after allegations that he was involved in a fatal accident in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
Lacy, from Thibodaux, Louisiana, allegedly drove recklessly, speeding and passing in a no-passing zone, when another driver swerved to avoid his Dodge Charger and crashed head-on into another vehicle.
Herman Hall of Thibodaux, involved in the head-on collision, tragically passed away after being taken to the hospital.
State police from Louisiana Troop C accused Lacy of leaving the accident scene without reporting it. He was arrested on charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.
In his final season with LSU, Lacy featured in 12 games and was the team’s second-top receiver with 58 catches and 866 receiving yards.
He entered the NFL draft just days after the accident and did not participate in LSU’s Texas Bowl win against Baylor on December 31.