OJ Simpson is dead. This is the tragic announcement made today on social networks by those close to the former athlete. “On April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, lost his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time, his family asks everyone to respect his privacy.”indicates the message published by the family on X, formerly Twitter.
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
— OJ Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
The former American football player for the Buffalo Bills, beyond his sporting career, was best known for the “trial of the century”, of which he was at the heart during the 90s. In 1994, he was accused of having killed his former wife Nicole Brown as well as Ronald Goldman, a friend of the latter. What followed was one of the biggest trials in history and, above all, one of the most publicized.
A trial broadcast on television
After several months of trial, the verdict fell on October 3, 1995: live on television in front of millions of viewers, OJ Simpson was found not guilty on both counts. The former footballer was then found civilly liable in 1997 and had to pay an amount of $33.5 million.
This affair will have had an enormous impact, for several years. The trial was notably adapted into a documentary series, American Crime Story. Director Ryan Murphy chose this case for the first season of his series. Actor Cuba Gooding Jr then played the role of the fallen athlete.