Tragedy at 24: Kyren Lacy’s Shocking Death Exposes the Silent Crisis of Black Male Suicide

Kyren Lacy, a 6-foot-2 LSU football player known for his wide frame, fondness for Buffalo Wild Wings and lemonade, and a smile that didn’t always show, was seen as a promising NFL prospect. Some analysts believed he could be drafted as early as the second round. But instead of fulfilling that dream, Lacy died by suicide at age 24—on the final day of the NFL Draft.

In the aftermath, social media and sports-focused podcasts, particularly those geared toward Black audiences, were filled with speculation about what may have driven Lacy to take his life. Friends noted that he had long been driven by the goal of making it to the NFL to financially support his family. But in the months before his death, a series of events seemed to threaten that dream.

Mental health experts caution against speculation, emphasizing that suicide is rarely caused by a single factor. Dr. Janelle R. Goodwill, a psychologist at the University of Chicago who researches Black mental health and suicide prevention, noted that many variables—often invisible—are typically at play. Suicide among Black boys and men has been rising sharply in recent years, with a 22% increase over the past five years—one of the steepest increases nationwide. Researchers point to a complex mix of pressures, including struggles with expressing emotions, societal expectations of masculinity, and uncertainty about the future.

In 2023, a study in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities found that Black men ages 18–30 most often considered suicide because of hopelessness about the future, though the sources of that hopelessness varied.

Despite a standout senior season in which he tied for the most receiving touchdowns in the SEC, and a December graduation with a sport management degree, Lacy’s final months were marked by turmoil. Just days before graduating, he was involved in a car crash that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall. Authorities said Lacy was speeding, crossed the centerline, and left the scene. He turned himself in weeks later and was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless driving, though his attorneys maintained he was not at fault.

The incident polarized public opinion. Some LSU fans stood by him, while others condemned him. Then came a professional setback: in February, the NFL rescinded his invitation to the scouting combine. Though he participated in LSU’s Pro Day in March, where players demonstrate their skills for NFL scouts, his legal troubles continued to loom.

On April 12 in Houston, where his mother lives, Lacy reportedly had an argument with a family member. Authorities said he fired a gun into the ground before fleeing in his car. He later crashed, and police found him inside the vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound. He died days before a scheduled court hearing related to the crash.

His family, agent, and coaches declined to speak publicly, though his father, Kenny Lacy, posted a Facebook message urging parents to engage more deeply with their children about mental health.

“Mental health is real, and for the most part, it’s invisible,” he wrote. “Don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small.”

Suicide among Black Americans is not only rising but often underreported or mischaracterized. Michael Curtis, a researcher and therapist at the University of Minnesota, found in rural Black communities that one in three Black men had recently considered suicide. In such places—much like Lacy’s hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana—poverty and lack of opportunity contribute to deep-rooted mistrust and isolation.

Curtis also noted that many young Black men are taught from a young age that their physical abilities—whether in sports or manual labor—are their only real assets. For some, the pressure to become professional athletes becomes overwhelming, especially when that dream fades or is threatened. In his practice, he sees the emotional toll this expectation takes—often beginning in childhood.

At the collegiate level, student-athletes—particularly those of color—face intense pressure, from maintaining peak performance to managing public expectations and now navigating the world of name, image, and likeness (NIL) sponsorships. According to NCAA data, while student-athlete mental health indicators have improved slightly since 2020, many still report high levels of anxiety and emotional strain—especially athletes of color, women, and LGBTQ individuals.

Ultimately, Kyren Lacy’s story is a tragic reflection of a wider crisis. His death underscores the urgent need to destigmatize mental health conversations—especially among young Black men—and ensure they’re given space to be seen as more than just athletes or potential stars.