O.J. Simpson, the notorious figure who captivated America with his high-profile murder trial in 1995, has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. The former football running back, who played 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, died surrounded by his family at his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.
A statement shared on his official social media account by his family read: “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.”
Simpson’s life was marked by both athletic success and infamy. Despite a successful NFL career, he became one of the most infamous figures in American history after being charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. The trial, dubbed the “Trial of the Century,” gripped the nation as millions tuned in to watch the proceedings.
Although Simpson was acquitted of the murders in a criminal trial, he was later found civilly liable for the killings and was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to the Brown and Goldman families. His reputation was forever tarnished, and the latter part of his life was marred by legal troubles and seedy ventures.
In 2008, Simpson faced further legal issues when he was sentenced to nine to 33 years behind bars for armed robbery in Nevada. Throughout his life, he faced numerous controversies and setbacks, but his legacy will forever be intertwined with the sensational murder trial that captivated the world.
Despite his tumultuous life, Simpson remained a polarizing figure until the end. In February, he released a video reassuring fans about his health amid reports of his battle with prostate cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. Simpson’s death marks the end of a turbulent chapter in American history, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be debated and dissected for years to come.