BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Kyren Lacy, a former wide receiver for Louisiana State University (LSU), has tragically passed away at the age of 24, as confirmed by a representative from the university’s athletic department on Sunday. The cause of Lacy's death remains unverified, although WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge reported, citing an unnamed family member, that Lacy died in the Houston area, where he was originally from Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Media inquiries regarding the specifics of Lacy's death have been referred to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office by Houston police, which did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Associated Press on Sunday.

Lacy had a notable 2022 season, leading LSU in receiving touchdowns with nine. He had also declared for the upcoming NFL draft but saw his draft prospects slide following his alleged involvement in a fatal car accident in December 2022. The incident resulted in the death of Herman Hall, a 78-year-old man from Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

The accident occurred when Lacy was reportedly driving recklessly, described as speeding and passing in a no-passing zone. Another motorist tried to avoid Lacy’s Dodge Charger and subsequently collided head-on with another vehicle. Hall was injured in the ensuing crash and later succumbed to his injuries after being taken to a hospital, according to a report from state police.

Following the incident, authorities from State Police Troop C in Gray, Louisiana, reported that Lacy fled the scene without attempting to render assistance. Consequently, Lacy was charged with multiple offenses, including negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.

In his final season with LSU, Lacy demonstrated impressive skills on the field, playing in 12 games. He was second on the team in both receptions, with a total of 58, and receiving yards, accumulating 866 yards. Despite the turmoil following the accident, Lacy declared his intention to enter the NFL draft just days after the tragedy. However, he was absent from the team’s victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on December 31, 2022, due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As Lacy's death is mourned, it raises questions about the potential loss of a talented young athlete whose career was marred by controversy and tragic circumstances. His passing comes as a shock to the LSU community and the wider sports world, highlighting the fragility of life and the impact of unforeseen events on promising futures.