Warning: This article discusses suicide, which may be distressing for some readers.
Kyren Lacy, an NFL draft hopeful, passed away at 24, reportedly from suicide, following a police chase.
Lacy, a former Louisiana State University (LSU) student, had recently declared for the NFL draft after a successful season with the LSU Tigers. However, he was involved in a car chase with police officers who were responding to a welfare call.
A female relative is believed to have called 911 on the night of April 12 after a verbal dispute led to Lacy firing his gun into the ground.
When officers arrived at the scene, Lacy had already left in his vehicle. Upon spotting him, the police attempted to stop him, but he drove away.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lacy crashed his car. When officers approached, they discovered he had died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His father, Kenny Lacy, released a poignant statement urging parents to have open conversations about mental health.
“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.
“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. Check on your kids mental!!!!!!!!!!!”
Lacy was scheduled to face a grand jury due to his involvement in a fatal accident in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, last December.
He faced charges of felony hit-and-run, negligent homicide, and reckless vehicle operation.
Reports alleged that Lacy’s reckless driving caused another motorist to swerve to avoid him, leading to a head-on collision with another car.
The driver tragically passed away shortly after being taken to the hospital, according to a police report.
Lacy surrendered to authorities the following month and was released on bail.
If you or someone you know is struggling or facing a mental health crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for chat support. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If urgent mental health support is needed, contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This free, confidential crisis hotline is accessible 24/7.