Kyren Lacy’s Father Pens Emotional Statement After NFL Draft Prospect’s Tragic Death at 24: ‘This Will Never Get Easier'

• Kenny Lacy has spoken out after his son Kyren Lacy was found dead on Saturday, April 12
• The former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver, 24, died of a suspected suicide
• The NFL draft prospect was facing felony charges stemming from a Dec. 17 car crash that killed former marine, Herman Hall

Kyren Lacy’s father is speaking out as he mourns the death of the former Louisiana State University (LSU) wide receiver.

On Saturday, April 12, Kyren was found dead in Houston, ESPN, confirmed citing an LSU official. The 24-year-old’s cause of death is suspected to be suicide, WAFB and TMZ reported.

“Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you,” Kenny Lacy wrote on Facebook. “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,” he continued. “Our lives have changed forever and this will never be ok, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here.

He added, “This has to be the biggest pill our families have had to swallow but I know the love and compassion in our families will get us through. This will never get easier, but we’ll learn to live with it.”

“Check on your kids’ mental!!!!!!!!!!!” Kenny concluded.

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LSU said in a statement they are “saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” per CBS News. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”

Lacy’s friend, Rontrell Sandolph, also paid tribute to the late athlete on Instagram, writing, “I’m so lost for words. I’m speechless. I went to sleep 4 times and woke up to see if that was a dream.”

“All the talks, all the tears, everything, you know GOD had us,” he continued, alongside a carousel of photos and videos of Kyren. “The dreams we had started to kick in, you making it to [the] NFL [and] me playing ball overseas. [Our] dreams [were] coming to reality.”

LSU, Louisiana State Police, Lacy’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, and his defense attorney, Matthew Ory, did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Sunday, April 13.

The death of the NFL draft prospect came as he was facing felony charges stemming from a Dec. 17 car crash that killed former marine, Herman Hall.

Kyren was accused of causing the crash and then fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities. He then declared for the 2025 NFL Draft two days after the incident.

It was confirmed in January that Kyren was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.

According to ESPN, the athlete was later released on bail. A grand jury was expected to begin hearing evidence in the case on Monday, April 14, WAFB reported.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.