LSU statement on Kyren Lacy after former receiver found dead at 24 years old

Former LSU football receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead on Saturday night, LSU announced on social media Sunday.

Lacy's death was an apparent suicide as he was being chased by authorities in Houston, ESPN reported Monday. Police responded to a call from a female family member saying Lacy had discharged a firearm during a verbal argument before Lacy fled the scene. He later crashed his car while being chased, and when officers caught up to him, he was dead from what appeared to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"We're saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy," LSU wrote in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing."

Lacy's dad, Kenny Lacy, shared his thoughts on social media on Sunday.

"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."

Lacy caught 58 passes for 866 yards with seven touchdowns last season, emerging as one of the better receivers in the country in his fifth college season and third with the Tigers.

Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run with death and reckless operation of a vehicle after being accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man on Dec. 17, shortly after the 2024 season ended. He turned himself into authorities on Jan. 12 and was jailed before being released on a $151,000 bond.

A grand jury was set to hear evidence on the case Monday.

Louisiana State Police said following the investigation that Lacy "recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline" into incoming traffic in a don't-pass zone on Louisiana Highway 20. Police added Lacy drove around the scene of the collision before fleeing and not reporting the crash.

Lacy's attorney, Matthew Ory, denied Lacy's involvement in the crash.

"The collision that resulted in the death of Mr. Herman was not caused by Mr. Lacy’s actions," Ory wrote in a statement in early February. "The accident occurred directly in front of him when a second vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed the centerline and collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle, in which he was a passenger. We are of information and belief that the vehicle that collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle was issued a citation. At no time did Mr. Lacy’s vehicle strike the rear of Mr. Herman’s vehicle, nor did any of the vehicles Mr. Lacy passed collide with his. After the collision occurred in front of Mr. Lacy, he cautiously went around the vehicles after passage was safe.

"It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved. Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never 'returned' to the scene of the accident."

Lacy recently participated in LSU's pro day in March after declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Thibodaux, Louisiana, native started his career at Louisiana before transferring to LSU, where he played his final three seasons.

Kyren Lacy death

Lacy, a former LSU receiver, died on Saturday night, LSU announced Sunday morning. His cause of death is being reported as an apparent suicide.

Lacy was allegedly involved in a fatal collision in December, after the regular season had completed. The 6-foot-2 fifth-year senior led the Tigers with 58 receptions for 866 yards with nine touchdowns last season.

This story was updated with new information.