Houston, TX – Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy passed away at the age of 24 on Saturday night due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit, as confirmed by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday.

The authorities received a call from one of Lacy’s family members reporting that he had fired a gun into the ground. Lacy left the scene before law enforcement arrived, leading to a pursuit when they attempted to stop his vehicle later on. The chase ended in a crash, where officials found Lacy with a gunshot wound, and a handgun in his possession. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with initial investigations indicating that he had shot himself before the collision.

Lacy’s aspirations for an NFL career were halted after a car accident in December near Thibodaux, LA, left a man dead. Facing charges related to the incident, Lacy turned himself in to authorities and had been released on bond. The tragic news has prompted his father, Kenny, to urge parents to pay attention to their children’s mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing even subtle signs of distress.

With a promising football career at LSU, Lacy led the Tigers in touchdown catches the previous season and made significant contributions to the team. LSU expressed their condolences in a statement following Lacy’s passing, acknowledging the impact on his loved ones, teammates, and coaches. Once the investigation by law enforcement is concluded, it will undergo review by the district attorney’s civil rights division, a standard procedure for incidents involving attempted arrests resulting in death.

The loss of Kyren Lacy has left a void within the football community, prompting reflection on mental health awareness and the challenges faced by young athletes. As his loved ones navigate this difficult time, the memories of Lacy’s accomplishments on the field will endure, highlighting the complexities of mental health and the pressures of pursuing professional sports.