Kieren Lacey dies at 24 amid allegations of fatal car crash

Kieren Lacey dies at 24 amid allegations of fatal car crash

Former LSU receiver Kieren Lacey, who was facing criminal charges connected to a fatal car crash in December, has died at the age of 24, his attorney and college confirmed Sunday.

A report released by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Lacey was found dead after authorities found his car crashed during a pursuit. Lacey had apparently taken his own life, the report said.

Lacey’s attorney Matthew Orie told ESPN, “It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic passing of Kieren Lacey. First and foremost, we urge the public and media to give his family the space and time they need to peacefully grieve this unimaginable loss.”

Lacy, who led LSU with nine receiving touchdowns last season, declared for this month’s NFL draft. But his playing career was overshadowed by his alleged involvement in the December killing of a 78-year-old man in Louisiana.

Lacy was allegedly driving recklessly — speeding and speeding through a no-passing zone — when a motorist swerved to avoid Lacy’s Dodge Charger and struck another vehicle.

Herman Hall, who was involved in the head-on collision, died after being taken to a hospital. Authorities said Lacy fled the scene of the accident without calling for help. Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony murder and negligent operation of a vehicle.

He was released on $151,000 bail. On Sunday, Orie told ESPN that he was “absolutely confident that after the evidence is fully gathered and reviewed, the charges will be dismissed.” He added that “we will demand a full and transparent review of how and why this investigation was conducted.

” In a Facebook post Sunday, Lacy’s father, Kenny, encouraged parents to monitor their children’s mental health. “Our lives are forever changed and it will never be okay, but God needed my child more than he needed me here,” Kenny Lacy wrote.

“This is the biggest pill our families have had to swallow, but I know the love and compassion in our families will get us through this.” Lacy played 12 games for LSU last season and finished second on the team with 58 catches and 866 yards receiving.

He declared for the NFL draft just days after the December incident, but slipped down several teams’ draft boards after the fatal accident and did not play in LSU’s win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 31.