Your life is your own responsibility—and it’s the heaviest one to carry. LSU receiver Kyren Lacy, overwhelmed by emotions, tragically passed away on Saturday, April 12, from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. His loss sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the entire football community. Even NFL players struggled to come to terms with the heartbreaking news, using their platforms to advocate for greater awareness around mental health.
Lacy was only 24 years old, with his whole life ahead of him. But the weight of life’s pressures became too much to bear. For those who shared the field with him, the memories linger—raw and unshakable. One of them is New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, who now carries the legacy of his former teammate, both on and off the field.
He played alongside Lacy in 2022 and 2023 before getting drafted in 2024. Under HC Brian Kelly, they formed a partnership that decimated their rivals. But when the news reached him, he was also shocked. The 2024 Pro Bowler couldn’t believe his former teammate took such a step. It’s really hard to imagine how he took such a drastic, irreversible, life-ending step.
Malik Nabers also shared an IG story showing their times together. Unable to hide his sadness anymore, he aptly wrote in the photo, “So Krazy how u can catch a memory in time when u feel like u on da top of the world and everyone around you feel the same ” That’s hard.
Moreover, he even shared several photos of them. Kyren Lacy’s death hit him hard. Malik Nabers wrote, “Pain. Numb. Sad. Sorrowful. Downcast. Hurt. Broken. Devastated. Empty. Miserable . So this how it feels huh!! To lose a part of yo heart. Damn you loved unconditionally.” They had a sweet bond. But it’s all memories now.
He even reposted the Commanders’ and formerly LSU QB Jayden Daniels’ IG story as well, where Kyren Lacy was enjoying a carefree car ride alongside a quarterback and wide receiver—moments that now feel haunting in their innocence. It’s still hard to accept his loss. Many believed he was well on track to be drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. But everything changed last December.
A car crash in Lafourche Parish resulted in the death of one person, and Lacy was named a defendant in the subsequent lawsuit. After turning himself in this past January, he was released on bond. His legal team remained hopeful, confident in their pursuit of justice. But now, he’s gone—too far for anyone to reach or console.
As news of his tragic passing spread, the conversation around mental health took center stage in the football community. It became clear that beneath the helmets and highlight reels, real struggles often go unseen.
Kyren Lacy’s passing brings attention to mental health
On April 12, the college athlete had an argument with his family. In a moment of rage, Kyren Lacy discharged his gun and left the house. After a chase, the officers managed to stop him. But he had a self-inflicted gun wound and passed away later. When the family heard about it, they were heartbroken.
Kenny Lacy took to Facebook to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, writing: “This will never get easier, but we’ll learn to live with it. Check on your kids’ mental!!!!!!!!!!!” His words echoed across the football world, striking a chord with many. Others from the league also spoke out, uniting in grief and in purpose.
This moment teaches one of life’s hardest yet most vital lessons: no matter how heavy the burden is, one must live life.
While fans mourned Kyren Lacy’s loss, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott decided to spread some positivity. He knows how hard these times can get. His mother passed away in 2013. However, the bigger shock came in 2020 when his brother Jace committed suicide. The QB shared a special message that read, “Please!!! Ask 4 Help. It Doesn’t Have to End That Way! It takes all of US!” These words carry heavy weight.
These are tough times. But in tough times, leaders emerge. The show of solidarity is also heartwarming.
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