Los Angeles, April 11, 2024 – Orenthal James Simpson, (O.J. Simpson) the former football star and actor whose life was marked by soaring athletic success and later, notorious legal battles, died today at the age of 76 after a prolonged fight with cancer. His family confirmed his passing through a statement released this morning.
O.J. Simpson, known universally as O.J., was diagnosed with cancer last year and had been receiving treatment in a Los Angeles hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, his health continued to decline over recent months.
Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, O.J. Simpson rose to fame as an outstanding American football player. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 as a running back at the University of Southern California. Simpson went on to enjoy a distinguished professional career in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Buffalo Bills. He became the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season, a record he set in 1973.
After retiring from football in 1979, O.J. Simpson transitioned to a successful career in acting and sports broadcasting. He appeared in films like the “Naked Gun” series and was a popular commentator for NFL games.
However, his life took a dramatic and dark turn in 1994 when Simpson was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The subsequent trial, often dubbed “the trial of the century,” captivated the nation and ended in his acquittal in 1995. The case and its verdict sparked widespread debate and left a lasting impact on American culture and the judicial system.
In 2007, O.J. Simpson faced further legal issues when he was arrested in Las Vegas on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, for which he was convicted in 2008 and sentenced to 33 years in prison. He was granted parole in 2017 after serving nearly nine years.
Simpson’s death closes a tumultuous chapter that was watched by the world with a mix of fascination and horror. He is survived by his children, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
The family has announced that a private funeral will be held next week, with a public memorial service to be scheduled at a later date. They expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers from O.J. Simpson’s fans and well-wishers throughout his illness and requested that donations be made to cancer research in lieu of flowers.