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Topics: Sport, US News, OJ Simpson
Emily Brown
Topics: Sport, US News, OJ Simpson
OJ Simpson has died at the age of 76.
Simpson's family announced the news in a statement today (April 11), saying the former football star died after being diagnosed with cancer.
Simpson first alluded to his diagnosis in May 2023, when he shared a post on X saying that in 'recent years', he 'unfortunately caught cancer'.
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At the time, he added: “So I had to do the whole chemo thing. I’m over the chemo... I’m healthy now. It looks like I beat it - I’m happy about that.”
Simpson didn't specify the nature of the cancer he had been diagnosed with.
In February, Simpson indicated he was in good health as he shut down rumors that he was being in a hospice.
“Hey X world, hospice? Hospice? You talking about hospice?,” he wrote on X.
“No, I’m not in any hospice. I don’t know who put that out there,” Simpson continued. “I guess it’s like Donald [Trump] says, ‘You can’t trust the media.’"
Unfortunately, Simpson's family confirmed his cancer had returned as they shared their statement announcing his death today.
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," the statement said.
"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," they continued.
Simpson rose to fame through his football career, in which he played as a running back in the NFL for 11 seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Bills in New York. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers.
In 1995, he found himself in the spotlight for a more sinister reason as he was tried for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.
Police announced their intention to arrest Simpson days after the murders, and after a car chase involving Simpson's white Ford Bronco, the footballer ultimately handed himself over to police.
The trial was dubbed the 'trial of the century' as millions of people followed the events as they unfolded.
Simpson was ultimately found not guilty of the murders, but the case still prompted the creation of a drama series, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Simpson was portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the series, which also starred Sarah Paulson, David Schwimmer and John Travolta.
Simpson is survived by four children; Arnelle and Jason from his first marriage to Marguerite Whitley, and Sydney and Justin, from his marriage to Nicole Brown Simpson.