Warning: This article discusses suicide and may be distressing for some readers.
Kyren Lacy, a promising NFL draft prospect, has died at the age of 24, in what appears to be a suicide following a police chase. Lacy, who had a significant impact as a player for the LSU Tigers, was preparing for the upcoming NFL draft. His death occurred after an incident involving a police pursuit initiated by a welfare call.
A female relative reportedly called 911 on the evening of April 12 following a verbal altercation that resulted in Lacy firing a gun into the ground.
When law enforcement arrived, Lacy had already left the scene in his vehicle. As police attempted to stop him, he chose to flee.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lacy crashed his vehicle. Upon approaching the wreck, officers found him deceased from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In response to his son’s tragic passing, Kenny Lacy, Kyren’s father, released a poignant statement urging parents to engage in open conversations about mental health 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,” 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 expected to appear before a grand jury regarding his involvement in a fatal accident that occurred in December in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
He faced charges of felony hit-and-run, negligent homicide, and reckless driving.
Reports allege that Lacy was driving recklessly, causing another motorist to swerve and collide head-on with a different vehicle. The driver tragically succumbed to their injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Lacy surrendered to authorities the following month and was released on bail.
If coping with mental health challenges, support is accessible through Mental Health America by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line is available by texting MHA to 741741.
For immediate mental health assistance, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline offers free and confidential support 24/7.