Kyren Lacy, a former LSU football standout, was found dead in a car on April 12 in Houston after a police chase — just days before he was scheduled to appear before a grand jury regarding a deadly crash he was allegedly involved in.
The night took a tragic turn around 11 p.m. when Lacy reportedly got into an argument with a family member. During the argument, he allegedly pulled out a gun and fired a shot into the ground before driving off.
Roughly half an hour later, a Harris County constable spotted Lacy’s vehicle and tried to pull him over. When he didn’t stop, a pursuit began that lasted several miles. The chase ended in a crash.
Deputies say that when they approached the car to arrest him, they discovered Lacy had shot himself during the chase, prior to the crash. He died at the scene.
Lacy was supposed to appear before a grand jury on April 14 in Lafourche Parish. The case was tied to a fatal crash from December 2024 in which authorities say Lacy was speeding and illegally crossing the center line on La. 20. That crash killed 78-year-old Herman Hall. Lacy was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, felony hit and run, and reckless operation. He was released on bond shortly after being booked.
Before his legal troubles, Lacy had a promising future. He was projected as a pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He first made a name for himself at Thibodaux High School, racking up 864 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns his senior year. He went on to play two seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette before transferring to LSU in 2022. In his final season there, he led the team with nine touchdowns.
Following the news of his death, LSU’s Athletics Department shared a statement:
“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.”
His father, Kenny Lacy, took to social media with a heartfelt message, urging parents to take mental health seriously and stay emotionally connected with their children:
“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. Mental health is real — and for the most part, invisible. Don’t ignore the signs, even if they seem small.”
“Our lives have changed forever and this will never be okay, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here. This is 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.”
