Late LSU Star Kyren Lacy’s Dad Shares Emotional Message After Son’s Death: ‘Mental Health is Real’

Late 2025 NFL Draft prospect Kyren Lacy’s father, Kenny Lacy, has broken his silence after his son’s sudden death at age 24.

“Young parents, start talking to your kids at a very early age and make sure they are confident and comfortable confiding in you,” Kenny wrote via Facebook on Sunday, April 13. “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 [and] it’s invisible. Don’t ignore the signs, even if they may seem small.”

He continued, “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.”

News broke several hours earlier that Kyren, a former wide receiver for Louisiana State University, had died. A cause of death has not yet been revealed. (Us Weekly has reached out for comment.)

“This will never get easier, but we’ll learn to live with it,” Kenny concluded on Sunday. “Check on your kids mental!!!!!!!!!!!”

Kyren had declared for the 2025 draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 24, 11 days after the late athlete’s death.

“LSU has truly made a big impact on my life on and off the field these past three years,” Kyren wrote in a December 2024 Instagram statement. “Playing in Death Valley, for the best fans in the country, was an experience I will never forget. Not too many people get to fulfill a dream like this. I am forever grateful for it.”

He added at the time, “I am so appreciative of my support system (family, trainers, mentors, etc) who have been there for me through the highs and the lows. Thank y’all for always believing in me! With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft!”

Kyren’s death also came several months after his arrest for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless driving. Kyren was arrested in December 2024 for his alleged involvement in a fatal car accident. He was released on bond and a grand jury hearing in the case was scheduled for Monday, April 14 – just one day after his death was confirmed. Kyren, meanwhile, denied his involvement in the incident.

“It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved,” Kyren’s lawyer Matthew Ory said in a February statement. “Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never ‘returned’ to the scene of the accident. … He did not believe he was at fault for the accident, and as such, he continued with his daily activities. Throughout his career, Mr. Lacy has been an exemplary community member and teammate. We ask that he not be judged prematurely, and we are confident that further investigation will show he acted within the bounds of the law.”