Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy found dead in Houston area at 24
HOUSTON - NFL prospect and former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy has died at 24 years old.
Harris County officials say Lacy was found in Houston with a gunshot wound after crashing his vehicle during a chase on Saturday night.
Kyren Lacy found dead
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 21: Kyren Lacy #2 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Tiger Stadium on September 21, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)
What we know:
Harris County Precinct 4 deputies were called to the 9300 block of FM 1960 at about 11:15 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the caller says she was arguing with a family member, now identified as Lacy, when he shot a gun into the ground.
When deputies arrived and started gathering information, they learned that Lacy had fled the scene. Officials were given a description of his vehicle, which was spotted at about 11:30 p.m.
Officials say a Precinct 4 unit tried to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, but Lacy fled. This led to a car chase that allegedly went on for several miles.
Lacy's vehicle then crashed in the 25900 block of Aldine Westfield Road in Spring.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies removed Lacy from the vehicle in an attempt to take him into custody. They allegedly discovered that he had suffered a "self-inflicted gunshot wound."
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
What they're saying:
The Harris County Sheriff's Office included the following information in the news release:
"Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Units conducted an investigation of the incident. 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. 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."
"Once the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division for review, as is standard for any death which takes place during an attempted arrest."
What's next:
The Harris County District Attorney's Office has been notified and will review the results of the investigation.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will conduct an autopsy on Lacy.
LSU statement
The other side:
Louisiana State University issued the following statement:
"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."
The backstory:
According to the Associated Press, Kyren Lacy led LSU in touchdown receiving with nine last season. On Dec. 19, Lacy announced on X that he would be declaring for the NFL draft.
Two days before his announcement, Lacy was allegedly involved in a deadly crash in Louisiana.
According to Louisiana State Police, Lacy was recklessly driving on Louisiana State Highway 20 on Dec. 17, passing multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed.
Police say Lacy was driving in the southbound lanes, then crossed the centerline into the northbound lanes.
Allegedly, drivers in the northbound lanes swerved to avoid crashing into Lacy, then one of those drivers crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Kia Sorento in the southbound lanes.
A passenger in the Kia died from his injuries.
Police accused Lacy of driving from the scene without stopping to help or reporting his involvement.
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Kyren Lacy, LSU WR and NFL Draft prospect, wanted for negligent homicide
Kyren Lacy, LSU wide receiver and NFL Draft prospect, is wanted by the Louisiana State Police for negligent homicide after his alleged involvement in a deadly crash.
The Source: Louisiana State University and previous FOX 26 reporting.