O.J. Simpson, the former football star famously acquitted of murder charges in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer, according to his family.
In a statement, Simpson’s family announced his death and requested privacy and grace during this time of mourning.
Simpson, known as “The Juice,” rose to fame as a football player and later became a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, acting, and advertising. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, were brutally murdered. Simpson was arrested and stood trial for the murders, which became a widely televised and sensationalized event.
Despite the intense media scrutiny, Simpson was acquitted of the charges in 1995, a verdict that sparked controversy and debate. Years later, in 2007, Simpson was arrested again for his involvement in a robbery in Las Vegas and was sentenced to prison. He was released on parole in 2017.
Throughout his life, Simpson remained a controversial figure, with his trials and legal issues overshadowing his athletic achievements. He is survived by his four children.
Kato Kaelin, a key witness in Simpson’s murder trial, offered his condolences to Simpson’s family and remembered Nicole Brown Simpson as a “beacon of light” that should never be forgotten.