April 14 (UPI) -- Kenny Lacy, the father of former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy, issued an emotional message for parents, telling them to check on their kids -- the day police said his son died of an apparent suicide.
"Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you," Lacy wrote Sunday 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.
"Our lives have changed forever and this will never be OK, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here. 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!"
Related
Lacy's attorney and the LSU athletic department confirmed his death Sunday. A report from the Harris County Sheriff's Office says officers responded to a weapons disturbance call after the 24-year-old allegedly discharged a firearm into the ground during a verbal argument Saturday night.
Lacy, who fled from the scene, was later spotted and led police on a car chase, which ended in a crash.
Officers said they were attempting to remove Lacy from the vehicle when they discovered he suffered what "appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound." He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The report says that preliminary information indicates Lacy shot himself during the pursuit, before crashing the vehicle. Officers recovered a handgun from the interior of the vehicle.
Lacy was arrested in January on charges related to his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run Dec. 17 in Lafourche Parish, La., and resulted in the death of 78-year-old Herman Hall. He was released on $151,000 bond and was set to have his case heard before a grand jury on Monday.
The former Tigers wide receiver declared for the 2025 NFL Draft two days after the crash. Lacy previously was considered a Top 15 wide receiver prospect and had a fourth-round projection.
Lacy, who faced charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle, participated in LSU's pro day March 26 in Baton Rouge, La.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support. Globally, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has contact information for crisis centers around the world.
