O.J. Simpson, Former NFL Star Whose Murder Trial Captivated the Nation, Passes Away at Age 76 from Cancer

Former NFL star O.J. Simpson, whose infamous murder trial captured the nation’s attention, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer, as confirmed by his family.

In a statement shared on X, his family revealed that Simpson was surrounded by his children and grandchildren during his final moments, urging for privacy and grace during this time of transition.

Earlier reports in February had suggested Simpson’s diagnosis of prostate cancer and his undergoing chemotherapy while in hospice care, though he refuted claims of being in hospice in a video on X, opting not to address the cancer diagnosis directly.

Known affectionately as “The Juice” among fans, Simpson’s legacy as a celebrated NFL athlete became mired in controversy following the tragic deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in the 1990s.

The murders, which occurred in 1994 outside Brown Simpson’s Los Angeles home, led to Simpson’s high-profile trial in 1995, televised to millions across the nation, earning the moniker “trial of the century.” The spectacle lasted months and divided public opinion, with Simpson ultimately acquitted of the charges.

Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, a subsequent civil trial found him liable for wrongful death, though the damages awarded were never fully paid to Goldman’s family.

Simpson’s tumultuous life post-acquittal included a 2007 armed robbery attempt in Las Vegas, resulting in a prison sentence of 33 years, of which he served nine before being granted parole.

His story was revisited in various media, including FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson” and the Oscar-winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” shedding light on his rise to fame, the murder trial, and subsequent legal troubles.

Born in San Francisco and raised in public housing, Simpson’s football prowess earned him national recognition, including winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

Simpson leaves behind a complex legacy, marked by both sporting excellence and personal turmoil, a narrative that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences decades later.