Brian Kelly Remembers Kyren Lacy: The Bright Star of LSU Football

This article addresses the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

This week, the LSU football community is engulfed in sorrow following the tragic death of wide receiver Kyren Lacy. Head coach Brian Kelly described the atmosphere in the Tigers’ locker room as filled with grief, shock, and disbelief.

Kyren Lacy was just 24 years old and was an anticipated candidate for the upcoming NFL Draft. Recent reports reveal that he was found dead due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police chase in Texas on Saturday night.

Following the incident, Kelly addressed reporters during a spring practice session, emphasizing that LSU’s professional counseling team has been made available to support players grappling with the loss.

Providing Support to Players in Need

Kelly articulated the profound impact Lacy had on his teammates. He acknowledged that every player would cope with the tragedy in their unique way. “Certainly, I think everybody on our team has, in some way, had a relationship at different levels with Kyren. Everybody’s gonna deal with it differently. First, understanding that there’s not one way that you’re supposed to feel,” Kelly stated.

He underlined the importance of mental health resources in such trying times, saying, “We lean heavily on our professional counseling department. Having that resource here allows for them to seek out that one-on-one kind of conversation that some may need. You want to provide the opportunity for your players to have those resources if they do need them.”

A Memorable Impact on the Field

Kelly fondly remembered Lacy as a bright star in the team’s constellation of talent. He spoke about Lacy’s infectious personality, noting, “He had an incredible personality. I’ll remember him as somebody that had a love for the game, a love for being a Tiger, and was a guy that played with great emotion. When you think of Kyren, you’re gonna smile most of the time because of the way he handled himself. He was a guy full of energy, and I think a lot of his teammates will remember him that way, as well.”

The Circumstances Surrounding the Incident

The tragic events leading to Lacy’s death began when the Harris County Sheriff’s Office received a call concerning a domestic dispute involving Lacy, during which he reportedly discharged a firearm into the ground. Authorities stated that Lacy fled the scene, prompting a search operation.

Deputies attempted to pull Lacy over, but he reportedly led them on a car chase that lasted several miles, eventually resulting in a crash in Spring, Texas. Upon reaching the vehicle, deputies found Lacy with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigations

Lacy was reportedly under investigation for a separate incident in Louisiana, involving a crash in December that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man. This ongoing investigation added another layer to the unfolding tragedy surrounding his passing.

Kyren Lacy’s Career Highlights

Lacy transferred to LSU in 2022 and showcased his skills during the 2024 season. That year, he achieved impressive statistics, recording 58 catches for 866 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. His potential was undeniable, and he was poised for a promising future in professional football.

Remembering a Young Talent

The LSU community has lost a young talent whose life was filled with promise. Brian Kelly’s remembrance of Kyren Lacy reflects the sentiments shared by many fans, teammates, and coaches who recognized his contributions to the game and the camaraderie he fostered.

As the LSU Tigers navigate this challenging period, the emphasis on mental health and support is paramount. The loss of Kyren Lacy serves as a stark reminder of the need for open discussions surrounding mental well-being in sports and beyond. Grief can manifest in many forms, and providing avenues for expression is crucial for healing.

Fox News reporters Ryan Gaydos and the Associated Press contributed to this story.