Father of Former LSU Athlete Kyren Lacy Speaks Up After He Was Found Dead at 24
A young athlete’s sudden death leaves a family grieving and a father calling on parents everywhere to look closer at the quiet struggles their kids may face.
Kenny Lacy, father of former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver Kyren Lacy, is urging parents to talk openly with their children about mental health after his son’s death.
Authorities found Kyren dead on a Saturday night in Houston, according to an LSU official who spoke with ESPN. The cause of death has not been released.
Kyren Lacy warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, on September 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
On Sunday, Kenny posted an emotional message on Facebook. He encouraged parents to recognize subtle signs of distress and to look beyond surface-level reassurances.
“Don’t be cool with ‘I’m Alright,or I’m good’ when you know deep down something isn’t right [sic],” he wrote. “Mental Health is real, and for the most part, it’s invisible, don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small.”
Before his death, Kyren faced charges stemming from a December 17 crash in Louisiana that killed a 78-year-old man. Police said he drove recklessly, triggered the collision, and fled without offering aid or calling for help.
He turned himself in on January 12 and posted $151,000 bail. A grand jury was set to review the case the following Monday.
Kyren declared for the NFL draft two days after the crash. He played three seasons at LSU after transferring from Louisiana and led the Tigers last season with 58 receptions, 866 yards, and nine touchdowns.
