NFL prospect and former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy died at age 24 following a police chase in Houston, Texas, on Saturday night. Authorities say Lacy died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing his vehicle during an attempted traffic stop.
The incident began when Harris County deputies were called to a domestic disturbance involving Lacy. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, a woman reported arguing with a family member—later identified as Lacy—who allegedly “shot a gun into the ground.” Deputies attempted to stop Lacy’s vehicle around 11:30 p.m., but he fled, prompting a car chase that ended in a crash on Aldine Westfield Road in Spring, Texas.
After the crash, deputies discovered Kyren Lacy had sustained a fatal “self-inflicted gunshot wound.” The sheriff’s office stated: “Preliminary information indicates Lacy shot himself during the pursuit and prior to the vehicle crashing. A handgun was recovered from the interior of the vehicle.” Officials confirmed that “a review of the Pct. 4 units body camera and in car dash mounted video did not indicate any shots were fired after the pursuit ended.”
An autopsy will be conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. As per protocol, the case will be reviewed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division.
LSU released a statement following the news of Lacy’s death: “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.”
Just months before his death, Lacy had declared for the NFL Draft, writing on Dec. 19: “I want to thank LSU for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. With that being said, I am declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.” Lacy led LSU with nine receiving touchdowns during the 2023 season.
Lacy had also been under investigation for a deadly car crash in Louisiana just two days prior to his draft declaration. According to Louisiana State Police, on Dec. 17 he was “recklessly driving on Louisiana State Highway 20,” crossing into oncoming traffic. One driver swerved to avoid Lacy and collided head-on with a Kia Sorento, killing a passenger. Authorities accused Lacy of fleeing the scene “without stopping to help or reporting his involvement.”
