O.J. Simpson, former NFL star and acquitted murder suspect, dies at 76
LOS ANGELES — O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star and broadcaster whose athletic achievements were overshadowed by his 1995 acquittal in the brutal killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, has passed away from cancer at the age of 76, his family announced on Thursday.
A post from the “Simpson Family” on Simpson’s verified social media account revealed the news: “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.”
“He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
Simpson’s battle with prostate cancer became public about two months ago, according to Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter. The Hall of Fame player had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Despite Simpson’s decorated athletic career, the cloud of controversy loomed over him after the high-profile murder trial. Simpson, once a highly celebrated athlete, found himself at the center of one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history.
The trial, often referred to as the “Trial of the Century,” captivated the nation for nearly nine months, highlighting issues of race, class, and celebrity culture. Simpson’s eventual acquittal divided public opinion, with polls showing a shift in perception over the years.
Following his acquittal, Simpson faced a civil lawsuit in 1997 and was found liable for the wrongful deaths of Brown Simpson and Goldman, resulting in a multimillion-dollar judgment against him.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn when he was imprisoned for an unrelated armed robbery case in 2007. After serving nine years of his sentence, he was granted parole in 2017.
In more recent years, Simpson gained renewed notoriety through social media, particularly on Twitter, where he shared his thoughts on various topics with a large following.
O.J. Simpson’s life, once marked by athletic triumphs, was forever altered by the controversies and legal battles that followed him until his final days.
