On December 19th, LSU’s star receiver Kyren Lacy had just declared for the NFL draft. Having led the Tigers in receiving TDs (9), second in catches (58) and receiving yards (866), Lacy’s transition from college to the NFL was supposed to be smooth. However, what could have been a beautiful rookie story has turned into a tragedy that no one saw coming. Lacy’s dream to play in the NFL remains unfulfilled forever as he left us at the age of 24. His tragic demise has sent not only the LSU community but also the whole football realm into mourning as the news of Lacy’s passing shook the world on April 13th, just 11 days away from the draft.

Before his LSU chapter, Lacy was already catching everyone’s attention. A 4-star prospect coming out of high school in his native state of Louisiana, Lacy was destined to be an NFL pro. But after his below-par time playing for the Ragin’ Cajuns, Lacy’s stock was falling fast. This led to him taking a transfer to Baton Rouge after two seasons at the University of Louisiana. Playing behind the likes of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., Lacy learned a lot. Eventually, in his third and final season, Lacy was LSU’s WR1. This saw him earn All-SEC honors after he led his team in TDs and had over 800 receiving yards. Everything was moving in the right direction until…

According to early reports, Kyren Lacy allegedly took his own life. While further details are unavailable at this time, former LSU Tigers superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was quick to react. He sent his condolences, writing on his Instagram story, “Rest Easy Lil Bro.” OBJ also followed it up with a heartwarming photo of Lacy from the LSU locker room. Lacy’s sudden demise must have shaken OBJ to his core, considering the bond they might have shared as fellow receivers.

Lacy could have followed OBJ’s footsteps to the NFL. But two days before he put forth his name for the draft, Lacy was accused of causing a crash that took the life of a 78-year-old man. The Louisiana State Police released a statement alleging that Lacy was driving a 2023 Dodge Charger on Louisiana Highway 20. He reportedly “recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated no-passing zone.” 

This resulted in a Kia Cadenza taking evasive action to avoid the impact and colliding head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento. As for Lacy, LSP wrote in their report, “he allegedly fled without stopping to render aid, call emergency services or report his involvement in the crash.” However, later, he did turn himself in and was jailed with alleged charges of negligent homicide.

But an update from LSP also said he was released on $151,000 bail. But following his case, Lacy’s NFL future took a massive hit. He skipped LSU’s Texas Bowl win over Baylor. He did participate in his pro day, but an ominous cloud hovered over his NFL prospects. As each day passed, Lacy’s draft stock kept on tanking. ESPN’s Mel Kiper didn’t even consider Lacy a top-10 receiver in the upcoming draft. Then, suddenly, more bad news followed. As Lacy left us forever, sending his close ones into a state of shock.

Kyren Lacy’s tragic demise creates a huge hole in the heart of every single football fan

Earlier this year, Lacy was touted to be a first-round pick out of LSU. He could have been the next big thing under NFL lights. However, before those dreams could have turned into a reality, Lacy had already left us. This sudden loss of the LSU star sent his close ones and the whole football community into mourning. One of his close friends, former varsity hooper Rontrell Sandolph, couldn’t believe the news of Lacy’s passing.

“I’m so lost for words. I’m speechless,” Sandolph wrote in a post dedicated to Lacy. He was apparently asleep and thought it was a dream, hearing Lacy had left us. And Sandolph wasn’t the only one. Moments after his news broke out, football fans poured in their condolences on social media. “Heartbreaking… Rest in peace to Kyren Lacy,” one of the fans wrote on X. It was followed by, “Terrible news”, another one added.

Then there were a few who tried to warn others, “Depression is nothing to play with.” As another fan reiterated those thoughts, adding, “RIP, Take care of your Mental health; it is not a game.” Many more reactions soon followed, but all had the same message. No one was able to believe that Lacy, who was terrorizing college defenses a few months ago, is now no more. What could have been a sensational story of a football dream come true turned into a nightmare for everyone who knew Lacy.