Former American Football player and Hollywood star OJ Simpson has died aged 76, his family have confirmed.
Simpson was famously tried for the double murder of his ex wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994.
In what the media described as “the trial of the century”, OJ Simpson was found not guilty on both murder charges in October 1995.
Nicknamed ‘The Juice’, OJ Simpson was one of the best sporting athletes in the 1960s and 1970s.
He enjoyed a glittering career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. He was also inducted into the Pro Hall of Fame.
Simpson also became the first NFL player to gain 2,000 yards in a single season.
He later became known as a pitchman, football commentator and actor, appearing in several TV and film roles including the Naked Gun movie series.
Back in February, OJ Simpson also announced that he had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
“time of transition”
Announcing his death on X, OJ Simpson’s family released this statement.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer”, they said. “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”.
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
Despite his acquittal, OJ Simpson also was found responsible for the deaths of his former wife and her friend in a civil wrongful death suit in 1997. He was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
Having avoided prison for the double murders, OJ Simpson was convicted on 12 counts of armed robbery in 2008. He was also jailed for kidnapping two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint at a hotel in Las Vegas.
Sentenced to 33 years in prison, OJ Simpson was discharged from parole and received an early release for good behaviour in 2021.
