The world bids farewell to O.J. Simpson, the iconic athlete-turned-actor, who passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 76 on April 10.
His attorney, Malcolm Lavergne, confirmed Simpson’s cause of death was due to the said cancer previously announced that Simpson was under treatment for. In a video message posted on social media last February, Simpson denied rumors about being placed in hospice care.
A Glimpse At O.J. Simpson’s Life and Career
Best known for his triumphant years with the Buffalo Bills in the 1970s, Simpson became a star name in the realm of American football. His athletic triumphs were, however, eclipsed by legal turmoil.
In a sensational murder trial that gripped the nation, Simpson was acquitted in 1995 of the charges accusing him of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. A subsequent civil suit found him guilty of wrongful death and battery against Goldman.
Simpson’s legal woes did not end there. In 2007, he was arrested in connection with an armed robbery and served nine years in a Las Vegas prison. He was finally released on parole in 2021.
Legacy Left Behind
Simpson reportedly passed away surrounded by his children and grandchildren, leaving behind four children: Arnelle, Jason, Sydney, and Justin. His personal legacy is without doubt complex, but the impact of his public life and trials in illuminating the racial dynamics of America is undeniable.