Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead in his vehicle late Saturday night following a police chase in Houston, just days before he was scheduled to appear before a Louisiana grand jury in connection with a fatal crash.
According to new details, the 24-year-old was involved in a domestic dispute shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday. During the altercation, Lacy allegedly pulled out a firearm and discharged a round into the ground before fleeing the scene.
Roughly 30 minutes later, a Harris County officer spotted Lacy’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Deputies said Lacy refused to pull over, sparking a high-speed pursuit that ended when he crashed several miles down the road.
When deputies approached the vehicle to take Lacy into custody, they discovered he had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound sustained during the chase. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that officers were unaware he had shot himself prior to the crash.
Lacy was set to appear before a Lafourche Parish grand jury on Monday to determine whether he would be formally charged in connection with a deadly crash in December 2024.
At the time, Louisiana State Police arrested him after they said he was speeding and crossed the center line in a no-passing zone on LA 20, causing a collision that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall.
He was booked for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Lacy posted bond less than two hours after his arrest.
Prior to his legal troubles, Lacy was projected as a potential pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He had a standout high school career at Thibodaux High, where he racked up 864 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season.
He began his college career at Louisiana-Lafayette, appearing in 24 games over two seasons before transferring to LSU in 2022. He played three seasons with the Tigers and led the team with nine touchdowns in his final year.
In a statement, LSU’s Athletics Department expressed condolences:
“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,” the statement read.
Lacy’s father, Kenny Lacy, took to social media in the aftermath of his son’s death, urging parents to take a proactive role in addressing mental health issues 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,” Kenny wrote.
“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… Check on your kids mental!!!!!!!!!!!”
