Featured Image Credit: STF / Staff/Lee Celano / Contributor
Topics: News, US News, OJ Simpson
Emily Brown
Topics: News, US News, OJ Simpson
Members of the public are paying tribute to Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman following the news that OJ Simpson has died.
Former NFL player Simpson died yesterday (April 10), his family said in a statement announced today (April 11).
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," they said in a post on X. "He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
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"During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."
Simpson earned his status as one of the greatest running backs of all time during his career in the NFL, but in 1994 he found himself a suspect in the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman.
The pair were both brutally stabbed to death outside Nicole's home in California, and a few days after the murders police announced their intention to arrest Simpson, who had been married to Nicole from 1985 to 1992.
Millions of people tuned in to their televisions as Simpson was filmed fleeing from the police in his white Ford Bronco, carrying his passport and a disguise, but he eventually gave up and handed himself in.
He appeared in court in what was described as 'the trial of the century', where prosecutors presented evidence including blood, hair and fibres found in Simpson's car.
They also pointed to bloody shoe prints found at the crime scene outside Nicole's home, which they argued matched those of shoes owned by Simpson.
In response, Simpson's lawyers argued the had been framed.
The trial spanned a total of 11 months, from November 1994 to October 1995. After deliberating for three hours, Simpson was ultimately acquitted. The murders remain unsolved.
News of Simpson's death this week has prompted a number of internet users to remember Nicole and Goldman, with many taking to X to share tributes.
"Peace and light to the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson," one person wrote, while another shared pictures of Nicole and Goldman, writing: "Here's a picture of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman if you're looking for someone to honor today."
Someone else posted: "RIP Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson!"
Following the verdict in the criminal case, Nicole and Goldman's families brought a civil suit against Simpson in which he was found liable for the deaths of Nicole and Goldman.
The court ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages.