EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
By Montanna Chambers
Former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead in an apparent suicide after a police chase in Houston, TX, on April 13. Police had received a call from a family member that he had pulled a gun during an argument and then later fled once the police arrived. The police pursued Lacy, but the pursuit ended when he crashed his car. The authorities found a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and Lacy was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency responders.
This is not the first time Lacy has been under police radar. On Dec. 17, Lacy was accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man. He did not alert the authorities and fled the scene. He turned himself in earlier this January and was later released on bail.
He declared for the draft days after the accident but did not play in the Baylor vs. LSU game on Dec. 30. He took part in LSU’s pro day in March and was ranked the No. 6 wide receiver prospect in the draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. in December. According to NFL Draft Buzz.com, Lacy was ranked as the 37th wide receiver in his class following the pro day.
Lacy was a very promising player. He transferred from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2021, where he played two seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns. In his two years with the Ragin’ Cajuns, he averaged 13.0 yards per catch and had 10 touchdowns.
When he transferred to LSU, he averaged 14.9 yards per catch and finished with 16 touchdowns over three seasons with the Tigers.
Lacy’s father took to social media to share his thoughts about the mental health surrounding young athletes.
He said on Facebook, “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.”
He continued his post by saying, “Mental Health is real, and for the most part, it’s invisible, don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small.”
Many athletes struggle with mental health issues. Red Sox All-Star MVP Jarren Duran recently came out with his own story of his attempted suicide in the 2022 Netflix documentary The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox.
“That happened for a reason, and you’re here for a reason, so let’s be the way you want to be and play [the way] you want to play and live the way you want to live,” said Duran in the documentary.
ESPN writer Pete Thamel shared a statement from LSU on the social platform X: “We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”
There have been no other statements released by LSU at this time.
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Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Sam Craft.