Former Louisiana State University recipient Kaylen LacyA university athletics spokesman said Sunday he died at the age of 24 after facing criminal charges resulting from a fatal car accident in December.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kylen Lacey. Our thoughts and prayers have been influenced by his passing along with his family, loved ones, and his former teammates and coach,” the LSU Athletics Department said in a statement to CBS News.
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Baton Rouge CBS affiliate WAFB-TV reported that the office of Harris County District 4 constable began hearing evidence on alleged involvement in the crash that killed a 78-year-old man from Laforsh Parish, Louisiana, Lacey died early Sunday morning.
The LSU Athletics confirmed Lacey’s death, but did not confirm the cause. Citing an unknown family member, WAFB-TV reported that Lacey, a native of Thibodeau, Louisiana, has passed away in the Houston area.
Houston Police Department referred media inquiries to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office, which did not immediately respond to emails from the Associated Press on Sunday.
Lacey, who led LSU with nine touchdowns last season, has declared this month’s NFL Draft. However, his draft stock plummeted after a car accident.
In a statement to WAFB-TV, Lacey’s attorney said the Parish of Laforsh District Attorney has not been formally charged with him.
“Kylen is a young man with immeasurable promises and he was crushed by the weight of an irresponsible and biased process,” the lawyer said. “There was never a presumption of innocence exemplified by pulling his draft card into mere accusation, without giving the NFL a small opportunity to protect himself.
Lacey is said to have been driving recklessly speeding and passing through the passing zone, a driver who was spinning because Lacey’s Dodge charger crashed head-on onto another vehicle.
Herman Hall in Thibodeau, Louisiana, was involved in a head-on collision but died after being taken to hospital, the state police report said.
State Police Force officials in Gray, Louisiana said Lacey fled the scene without asking for help. Lacey was booked for negligent murder, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of the vehicle.
Lacey played 12 games for LSU last season and was second in the team, earning 866 yards for 58 yards. He also played at the University of Louisiana, ranking fourth among the Louisiana receivers corps and fourth with a 304-yard receiver at 21 receptions.
He declared the NFL draft a few days after the accident and did not play in the LSU victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on December 31st.
