Orenthal James Simpson, famously known as O.J. Simpson, has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer.
His family announced the shocking news this Thursday morning in a statement shared to his official account on social media. It read, “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
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.
-The Simpson Family
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
News about O.J.’s cancer diagnosis first made the rounds in February, when a local outlet reported that he had cancer and was in hospice care. , However, O.J. responded to the news at the time and even denied he was in hospice. Though he didn’t address the cancer report.
The shocking news of his death has left many reflecting on the life and legacy of a man who was once a celebrated athlete but later became embroiled in one of the most infamous trials in American history.
Simpson rose to fame as a star football player, achieving great success in the NFL and earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, his legacy became marred by controversy when he was accused of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. The subsequent trial, known as the “Trial of the Century,” captivated the nation and sparked intense debate about race, celebrity, and the criminal justice system.
Despite being acquitted of the murders in a criminal trial, Simpson’s reputation never fully recovered. He faced further legal troubles in the years that followed, including a conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping in 2008, for which he served nine years in prison.
In his later years, Simpson largely stayed out of the public eye, living a more private life with his family. His battle with cancer was a more personal struggle, away from the spotlight that had defined much of his life.
As news of his passing spreads, reactions are mixed, reflecting the complex legacy of a man who was both a sports hero and a figure of controversy. While some remember him for his athletic achievements, others cannot separate him from the shadow of the trial that defined his later years.
His family said in a statement that they would like privacy and respect as they cope with this loss: “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family.”