Kyren Lacy, Beloved Former LSU Wide Receiver and Louisiana Native, Dies at 24 — College Football Community Stunned by Sudden Loss of Rising Star
April 13, 2025 | Baton Rouge, LA – The college football community is in mourning today following the devastating news that former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy has died. He was just 24 years old.
LSU Athletics confirmed the heartbreaking news on Sunday morning, releasing a brief statement expressing sorrow over the loss of a player remembered for his athleticism, leadership, and passion both on and off the field.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Kyren Lacy,” the LSU statement read. “Kyren was a talented athlete and a beloved teammate who brought great energy and spirit to our program. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”
No official cause of death has been released as of this publication, though sources close to the situation say the news has sent shockwaves through the LSU football program and the broader NCAA community.
A Promising Football Journey Cut Short
Kyren Lacy began his collegiate football career at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he quickly emerged as a standout wide receiver. In two seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Lacy showcased his natural talent and ability to make critical plays in high-pressure situations. His performance earned him a transfer to LSU, where he became a key part of the Tigers’ wide receiving corps.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Lacy was known for his size, speed, and precise route-running. During his time at LSU, he consistently delivered when it mattered most, becoming a reliable target and fan favorite.
Over his college career, Lacy totaled over 1,500 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, with numerous highlight-reel catches and game-changing moments. But beyond the numbers, it was his character, work ethic, and mentorship of younger players that left a lasting impact on teammates and coaches alike.
An Outpouring of Tributes
News of Lacy’s death prompted an immediate and emotional response from former teammates, coaches, fans, and members of the wider football community.
LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly, who coached Lacy during his transfer years, said in a heartfelt social media post:
“Kyren was the kind of player every coach hopes to have — passionate, driven, and always a team-first guy. He was a leader in our locker room and a brother to many. This is a tragic loss, and we’re all struggling to process it.”
Lacy’s former teammate and current NFL player Malik Nabers posted, “Rest easy, my brother. You were more than a teammate — you were family. This one hurts.”
Messages of love and remembrance poured in from LSU fans, players from across the NCAA, and even NFL stars who had followed his career. The hashtag #RIPKyrenLacy began trending on X (formerly Twitter) as tributes continued to flood social media.
Remembering the Man Behind the Helmet
Though known to fans for his skills on the field, those closest to Kyren Lacy remember him for so much more — a humble, driven young man who never forgot where he came from.
Born and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Lacy was a proud native of the Bayou region. Friends say he carried his hometown pride everywhere he went and often spoke about his desire to give back to his community.
“He never let football change him,” said childhood friend Darren Joseph. “Even when he started making a name for himself at LSU, he always came home, always helped out at youth camps, and always made time for the people who mattered.”
Lacy majored in Sports Administration and had expressed interest in working in youth development or coaching after his playing days. Many who knew him say they have no doubt he would have continued to influence the game and lives around him long after graduation.
LSU to Honor Lacy’s Legacy
According to university officials, LSU will honor Lacy with a memorial tribute during its upcoming spring football game. Plans are also in motion to establish a Kyren Lacy Memorial Scholarship in his name, aimed at supporting student-athletes who embody the same commitment to academics, leadership, and service that he did.
In a statement released late Sunday, LSU’s athletic director Scott Woodward said:
“Kyren’s impact goes beyond football. He was a young man of great promise, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched. We are committed to preserving his memory and supporting his family in every way possible.”
A Painful Goodbye to a Bright Light
Kyren Lacy’s passing is a painful reminder of how fragile life is — and how deeply one person can affect the world around them. Though his time on Earth was far too short, the mark he left — on the field, in the classroom, and in the hearts of those who knew him — will not be forgotten.
He is survived by his parents, siblings, extended family, and a tight-knit community of friends, teammates, coaches, and fans who will forever carry his memory.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. In the meantime, LSU has encouraged anyone affected by the loss to reach out to university counseling services or the athletics department’s support team.
Rest in peace, Kyren Lacy.
Your legacy will continue to inspire, and your light will never fade.