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O.J. Simpson Dies Following "Battle with Cancer," Family Announces
The former N.F.L. star and Hollywood actor was acquitted of a double murder in what widely became known as "The Trial of The Century."
O.J. Simpson, the celebrity infamously acquitted of the murders of his former wife and her friend, has died, according to his family.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Simpson’s relatives announced on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the former football running back and Hollywood actor passed away one day earlier. He was 76 years old.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the post read. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
In the statement, signed “The Simpson Family,” loved ones asked for “privacy and grace" during their time of loss.
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O.J. Simpson's Cancer Battle
Local outlets previously gave unconfirmed reports that Simpson — who spent his final years living in Las Vegas — had allegedly been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to TMZ. Back in February, Simpson posted a video laughing off the idea that he was receiving treatment at a hospice.
Simpson later addressed his health in a Feb. 11, 2024, video posted to X.
“My health is good,” he told audiences. “Obviously, I’m dealing with some issues, but, hey. I think I’m just about over it, and I’ll be back on that golf course, hopefully in a couple of weeks.”
With news breaking Thursday morning, social media is flooding with reports of Simpson’s death, and the reactions are mixed. According to TMZ, Tom Lange, one of the lead investigators in the 1994 murders of Simpson’s former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, stated, “I have nothing to say; I simply don’t care.”
Celebrity Caitlyn Jenner, once a close friend of Simpson’s, posted “Good riddance #OJSimpson” on X.
About O.J. Simpson’s Historic Impact
The charismatic N.F.L. Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner had a lucrative career in football. He excelled during his early career days in the 1960s as a Trojan for the University of Southern California and retired from the San Francisco 49ers in 1979. After his football days, Simpson seamlessly shifted into a career in acting and sports broadcasting. Some of his more notable roles included multiple Naked Gun comedies.
But more memorable than Simpson’s long-running career was his being at the center of what was arguably the most infamous murder trial in American history. Dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” the televised — and polarizing — event was the subject of many adaptations, including OJ Simpson: The Crimes and Punishment, now available to watch on Oxygen.
On June 12, 1994, Brown — who was married to Simpson from 1985 to 1992 and with whom she shared two children — was found stabbed to death outside her home in the quiet Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Brown’s friend, 25-year-old waiter Ron Goldman, was also found dead after he’d visited the Brentwood home to bring Brown a pair of sunglasses she’d left at a restaurant.
It was theorized that Goldman had come upon Nicole’s active stabbing and possibly tried to intervene.
The highly publicized and racially-charged case gained international interest, partly due to Simpson’s celebrity status and the murder taking place in such an affluent neighborhood. An infamous car chase between the L.A.P.D. and the suspect’s white Ford Bronco was witnessed by tens of millions of viewers and one of the most-watched events in television history.
Simpson’s “dream team” of attorneys, which included Johnnie Cochran, F. Lee Bailey, and Robert Kardashian, would help the embattled star be acquitted of murder.
Then, in 1997, Simpson was found civilly liable for the murders and was ordered to pay over $33 million in damages.
In 2008, Simpson was convicted of a 2007 armed robbery in Las Vegas, serving nine years before his early release in 2021. Since then, he hasn’t shied away from the public eye and regularly shared his activities on social media.
The public reacts to Simpson’s death
According to Goldman’s family estate attorney David Cook, responding to news of Simpson’s death, Simpson never paid up, according to TMZ. Cook said Simpson “died without penance,” reminding the public of Simpson’s debt.
ABC’s The View addressed the news on their Thursday morning show, according to the New York Post.
“I hope it gives some peace to the family of the victims,” said co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin.
Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter gave a statement highlighting the deceased’s on-the-field achievements, as reported by San Diego Fox affiliate KSWB-TV.
“O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards,” Porter stated. “His on-field contributions will be preserved in the hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.”
Broadcaster Bob Costas, who’d previously worked alongside Simpson on NBC, told CNN that Simpson was “not just admired, but beloved.”
Responses, good and bad, are still rolling in as news of Simpson’s death continues to circulate.
Learn more from the true crime special OJ Simpson: The Crimes and Punishment, now available to watch on Oxygen.
Additionally, a new episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered, airing Wednesdays on Oxygen and streaming next day on Peacock, will chronicle the murder trial of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Tune in Wednesday, April 17 to see the episode.
