BREAKING: Former LSU Receiver Kyren Lacy Found Dead in Houston
**Houston, TX —** Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead Saturday night in Houston, an LSU official confirmed to ESPN early Sunday morning. The tragic news has left the LSU football community and college football world in shock, as tributes begin to pour in for the 23-year-old athlete known for his passion, energy, and resilience on and off the field.
Authorities in Houston responded to an emergency call late Saturday and discovered Lacy unresponsive in what has been described as a private residence. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but Lacy was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Details surrounding the cause of death remain under investigation, and local authorities have not yet released additional information pending autopsy results and notification of next of kin.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly released a brief statement early Sunday, calling the news “absolutely heartbreaking.”
> “Kyren was a tremendous young man who brought light into every room he entered,” Kelly said. “He loved the game, he loved his teammates, and he represented LSU with pride. We are devastated by his passing and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Lacy, a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, began his college football career at the University of Louisiana before transferring to LSU ahead of the 2022 season. Over two seasons in Baton Rouge, he became a reliable target in the Tigers’ receiving corps, appearing in 26 games and showcasing his athleticism and physicality as both a pass-catcher and blocker.
Known for his 6-foot-2 frame, strong hands, and competitive spirit, Lacy totaled over 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns during his LSU tenure. His most memorable performances included a breakout game against Auburn in 2023 and a clutch touchdown against Texas A&M that same season. He had declared for the 2024 NFL Draft earlier this year but had not yet signed with an agent or been picked up by a team.
Former teammates and coaches were quick to share their grief on social media Sunday morning. LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, a close friend of Lacy, posted on Instagram:
> “My brother. This one hurts bad. You always had my back, and I’ll never forget the moments we shared on and off the field. Rest easy, 2.”
The LSU Athletics Department has announced it will hold a vigil in Lacy’s memory on campus later this week. Grief counselors have also been made available for LSU players and staff, as the program begins to process the sudden loss.
Lacy was more than just a football player. Teammates and coaches described him as deeply supportive, uplifting in the locker room, and committed to giving back to his community in Thibodaux. He was often seen at local youth football camps and charity events, embracing the role of a mentor to younger athletes who looked up to him.
News of his death has rippled through the broader college football community, with messages of support and condolences arriving from schools across the SEC and beyond.
“Kyren Lacy was a competitor on the field and a kind soul off it,” said a statement from the University of Louisiana, where he began his college career. “Our hearts are broken for his family, and we are grateful for the time he shared with our community.”
As the investigation into his death continues, the LSU community is left mourning a life cut tragically short. For now, teammates, coaches, and fans are remembering the joy, intensity, and love for the game that defined Kyren Lacy — a Tiger forever.
