Former NFL megastar O.J. Simpson died on April 10, 2024. He was 76 years old at the time of his passing. Although his successes were marred by various controversies, his passing still shocked the world nonetheless.
Over the years, it has become nearly impossible to honour the man’s many achievements due to his criminal record that took precedent over his glory. So, as more details have been revealed around the death of O.J. Simpson, here’s everything we know about his passing. From his early triumphs to his many brushes with the law, let’s explore the life, downfall and demise of the man once known as “The Juice”.
Why Was O.J. Simpson So Controversial?
Before his highly publicized criminal trial, O.J. Simpson was a beloved figure in American pop culture, hailed as the “Juice” by fans and media alike. As a charismatic and dominant running back for the Buffalo Bills, Simpson was a sports icon, leading his team to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1970s. But his fame extended far beyond the football field, as he transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in films like The Towering Inferno and The Naked Gun trilogy. His charming on-screen presence and comedic timing made him a household name, earning him a reputation as a likable and endearing figure. As a result, Simpson’s name became synonymous with excellence and charm, making him one of the most popular and marketable celebrities of his time.
This image was soon marred when he became the key suspect in the murders of of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Before an extensive trial, O.J. led police officers on a 45 minute chase across Los Angeles when he failed to hand himself in. This incident was captured on film and streamed live on the news, capturing the attention of people across the globe. O.J. was tried and acquitted of the murders. However, he would soon land himself in trouble once again.
In 2008, O.J. Simpson’s reputation suffered another devastating blow when he was convicted of armed robbery for a brazen heist at a Las Vegas hotel room. Simpson, accompanied by four accomplices, stormed the room, held two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint, and made off with items linked to his NFL career. Claiming he believed the stolen goods belonged to him, Simpson’s actions led to a serious criminal charge. In 2008, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison, but after serving nine years, he was granted parole and released in 2017. This disturbing incident further sullied Simpson’s already controversial public image, cementing his reputation as a complex and troubled figure.
O.J. Simpson’s Life After His Release
After being granted parole, O.J. Simpson spent a lot of time with his daughter Arnelle Simpson. Arnelle is one of five children. However, she was also his biggest advocate, standing by him through all of his legal issues. During his parole hearing in 2017, Arnelle said: “As a family, we recognize he’s not the perfect man, but as a man and a father he has done his best to behave in a way that speaks to his overall nature and character.”
Following his release, O.J. spent his last five years of life in Las Vegas, Nevada. To many, he was still not welcomed back into the mainstream, with many people still believing that he was wrongfully acquitted for the double murder back in 1995. In fact, Sacha Baron Cohen even set out on his own mission to illicit a confession from O.J. when he appeared on his TV series, Who Is America?
How Did O.J. Simpson Die?
O.J. Simpson announced his health battle in May 2023 via his X page (formerly Twitter). However, he kept specific details somewhat private. Then, in February 2024, he quashed rumours that he was battling his illness in a hospice, saying in a video “can’t trust the media.” After losing his battle, O.J. passed away on April 10, 2024. On April 11, his family took to X to break the news and stated that he had “succumbed to his battle with cancer” while “surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
It has now been revealed that O.J. Simpson was battling prostate cancer. O.J.’s friend and longtime lawyer Malcolm LaVergne further debunked the rumours that he spent his final days in a hospice. He recalled visiting O.J. just before Easter, and stated that he was “awake, alert and chilling”. He added: “He’s on the couch, drinking a beer and watching TV. And so that was the last time we had effective back-and-forth conversations. He’s usually the one who keeps me up on the news, so we were just catching up on the news then.” Want to read more about the Simpson family? Here’s the untold story of Arnelle Simpson.
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