O.J. Simpson passes away at 76 after cancer battle

UNITED STATES: Former National Football League star O.J. Simpson, whose life took a dramatic turn from sports heroism to criminal trial infamy, has died at the age of 76.

The Simpson family confirmed on Thursday via Simpson’s verified X account that the once-celebrated athlete lost his battle with cancer on 10 April.

On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.

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.

-The Simpson Family

— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024

Best known for his remarkable career in football and, later, his controversial acquittal in the 1995 murder trial of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, Simpson’s passing marks the end of a complex and tumultuous public life.

According to a statement released by his family, Simpson was surrounded by his loved ones in his final moments.

“During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” the statement added.

Jim Porter, President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, disclosed that Simpson’s prostate cancer diagnosis was made public about two months ago. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the disease ultimately claimed his life.

Simpson’s journey from a celebrated athlete to one of the late 20th century’s most divisive figures began with his sports career.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 before joining the NFL, where he played for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.

However, his life took a dark turn when he was charged with the murders of his former wife and her friend, leading to a highly publicized trial from 1994 to 1995 that captivated the nation.

Despite his acquittal, a civil jury later found him liable for the wrongful deaths of Brown Simpson and Goldman, ordering him to pay $33.5 million in damages.

Simpson maintained his innocence, but his legal troubles continued, culminating in a prison sentence for an unrelated armed robbery in Las Vegas. He was paroled in 2017.

Beyond the courtroom, Simpson had a notable career in acting and broadcasting, appearing in films like “The Naked Gun” series and working as a sportscaster.

His personal life was equally highlighted by his marriage to Nicole Brown, marked by allegations of domestic violence.

Public perception of O.J. Simpson has significantly evolved over the years, influenced by his actions and various media portrayals.

As early as 2014, before the release of the ESPN documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” a shift in opinion was already noticeable.

A CNN/ORC poll from that year revealed a change in the African American community’s perspective, with 53% believing the murder charges against Simpson were true to some extent.