Police say the 24-year-old former LSU wide receiver suffered a gunshot wound after a chase in Houston.
A Harrison County Sheriff’s report released in the media said former Louisiana State University (LSU) receiver Kylen Lacey died at the age of 24 in suicide in his car while being pursued by Houston authorities.
Lacey already faced criminal charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Louisiana last December, clouding his prospects for the National Football League.
Harris County officials say they pursued Lacey’s pursuit when Lacey fell crash late Saturday night. When officers approached the vehicle to extract the race, they say he died of obvious suicide, the report said Sunday.
Lacey was declared dead at the scene by an emergency responder.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kylen Lacey,” LSU said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers were influenced by his passing of his family, loved ones, and his former teammates and coaches.”
Lacey, who led LSU with nine touchdowns last season, has declared this month’s NFL Draft. However, his draft fell sharply after alleged involvement in the accident that killed a 78-year-old man in Laforche, Louisiana.
Lacey, a native of Thibodeau, Louisiana, is said to have been driving recklessly as Lacey’s dodge charger crashed directly into another vehicle, crashing straight ahead, and passing through the pass zone.
State police reports say Herman Hall, Thibodeau, who was involved in the head-on collision, died after being taken to hospital.
Louisiana State Police Force authorities said Lacey fled the scene of the accident without asking for help. He was booked for negligent murder, felony hit-and-runs, and reckless operation of the vehicle.
Lacey played in LSU’s 12 games last season and was second in the team that received 866 yards for 58 yards.
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.
