The sudden death of NFL Draft prospect Kyren Lacy has left a devastating impact on his family, especially his father, Kenny Lacy.
The 24-year-old, who had shown immense promise in college football, tragically passed away on Saturday night, and reports indicate that the cause was suicide.
Just days after the shocking news broke, Kenny Lacy shared an emotional message on Facebook, urging parents to take mental health seriously and be proactive in talking to their children.
A Father’s Heartfelt Plea for Mental Health Awareness
Kenny Lacy’s words were raw and powerful as he urged parents to start conversations about mental health early in their children’s lives.
In his post, he wrote: “Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you.
Don’t be cool with ‘I’m alright’ or ‘I’m good’ when you know deep down something isn’t right.
Mental health is real, and for the most part, it’s invisible, don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small.”
Kenny expressed the immense grief his family now faces, acknowledging the profound loss while trying to find comfort in the belief that his son was needed elsewhere.
He ended his message with a plea for others to check on their children’s mental well-being: “Check on your kids mental!!!!!!!”
Kyren Lacy’s Life and Career Cut Short
Kyren Lacy had been making a name for himself as one of the top NFL Draft prospects for 2025.
Just 18 days before his tragic passing, Lacy participated in LSU’s pro day, where he showcased his skills to NFL scouts.
His performance at LSU had been impressive, with a standout 2024 season where he caught 58 passes for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.
Over his three-year career at LSU, Lacy accumulated 112 catches, 1,692 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
Despite the promising future ahead of him, Lacy’s name was also involved in controversy earlier this year.
In January, Lacy was arrested in connection with a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man.
The charges, which included reckless operation and negligent homicide, stemmed from a crash involving Lacy’s Dodge Charger and another vehicle.
Lacy’s legal team was confident that the charges would be dismissed, but the situation weighed heavily on him as his draft prospects remained in limbo.
NFL and Legal Reactions to Kyren Lacy’s Passing
In the wake of Kyren Lacy’s death, tributes poured in from the football community, with NFL stars like Jayden Daniels, Odell Beckham Jr., and Dak Prescott honoring his memory.
The LSU football family also mourned the loss, with the team posting a tribute on social media.
However, his passing also brought attention to the legal battles he had been facing.
His lawyer released a statement, calling the investigation into Lacy’s role in the crash a “witch hunt” and criticizing the overzealous nature of the charges.
The lawyer argued that the charges against Lacy had been unjustified, pointing out that the Lafourche Parish District Attorney had not even formally charged Lacy at the time of his death.
The statement also accused the NFL of unfairly removing Lacy from the draft process, which added to the intense pressure he had already been under.
The Tragic End to a Promising Life
Kyren Lacy’s death has left a hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans who had hoped to see him thrive in the NFL.
His tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health and the unseen struggles that many people, especially young athletes, face.
His father’s message will undoubtedly resonate with many, emphasizing the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of checking in on loved ones, particularly during times of stress or crisis.