Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy found dead by authorities after vehicle chase: What we know (2025)

This story contains mention of suicide. If you are at risk of suicide, please stop here and contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support.

Former LSU wide receiver − and NFL hopeful− Kyren Lacy died by apparent suicide in his car after being chased by authorities near Houston, Texas, a local sheriff's office said.

Late Saturday night, one of Lacy's relatives reported that she had gotten in a verbal argument with the 24-year-old, during which he discharged a firearm into the ground, according to a Harris County Sheriff's Office news release. When the Harris County Constable's Office arrived at the family member's home, Lacy fled.

About 20 minutes later, the Constable's Office spotted Lacy in a vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, but Lacy fled again. A vehicle pursuit took place for several miles before Lacy's vehicle crashed, according to the news release.

Upon searching Lacy's vehicle, authorities discovered he had sustained what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the news release. The vehicle he was driving was registered and insured under his name.

An investigation is ongoing.

'Biggest pill our families have had to swallow'

In a statement shared to Facebook on Sunday, Kenny Lacy, Kyren's father, encouraged friends, family, and other followers to have regular, open discussions with their children about mental health.

"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.

"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."

Louisiana State University, Lacy's alma mater, also shared a statement over the weekend.

"We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy," LSU said in its statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing."

Kyren Lacy death: Jayden Daniels posts tribute to former LSU teammate Kyren Lacy

Young athlete was facing criminal charges

Lacy ran into legal trouble after he was accused of causing a crash that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall in Thibodaux, Louisiana in December and then leaving the scene.

Lacy turned himself into authorities in January and was arrested on charges of negligent homicide, hit-and-run driving with serious injury or death ― both felony charges ― as well as reckless operation with accident, according toLafourche Parish Sheriff's Office police reports. Lacy was released on a $151,000 bail.

Who was Kyren Lacy?

Lacy played three seasons at LSU, catching 58 passes last year for 866 yards and a team-leading nine touchdowns. Previously, he had played for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at University of Louisiana.

He declared for the NFL draft in December 2024, just two days after the crash, and did not play in LSU's win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl.

Contributing: Cory Diaz, Lafayette Daily Advertiser

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy found dead after vehicle chase