Orenthal James Simpson, commonly known as “O.J.,” the former NFL star who became a central figure in one of the most publicized legal dramas of the 20th century, died on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada after a battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.
Simpson’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement released on X. “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the family said. They revealed that Simpson had been surrounded by his children and grandchildren during his final moments and requested privacy during this period of transition.
Before his entanglement in legal troubles, Simpson was celebrated as one of football’s greatest running backs. During a decade-long career in the NFL, notably with the Buffalo Bills, Simpson earned MVP status and set numerous records. His transition from sports to acting further elevated his status in American pop culture.
However, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn following his association with the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson, his ex-wife, and her friend Ron Goldman. The subsequent 1995 trial, where Simpson was acquitted of the murders, captivated the nation, exposing deep racial divides and sparking widespread debate over the criminal justice system.
Despite his acquittal in the criminal court, a civil court later found Simpson liable for the wrongful deaths of Brown and Goldman, ordering him to pay $33.5 million in damages. This verdict significantly impacted Simpson’s financial situation, leading to the auction of several personal items, including his Heisman Trophy, which raised almost $500,000, primarily for the Goldman family.
Simpson’s later years saw further legal challenges, including a 2007 conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping in a Las Vegas hotel, in an attempt to reclaim sports memorabilia. He served nine years in prison before being released on parole in 2017.
In recent years, Simpson faced health issues, including his battle with cancer. In May 2023 Simpson shared in a social media post that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that he had been using medical marijuana to help with his symptoms.
“I had to do the whole chemo thing … I started smoking a couple of puffs a day, and I only had nausea twice. I’m over the chemo,” Simpson said. “I only got nauseous on two occasions. … The pot really helped me with the unfortunate side of catching cancer.”
In his last video recording in 2024, Simpson maintained that his health was stable although he faced a few challenges. He shared this update on his X (Twitter) page on February 11, which was two months prior to his passing.
Simpson expressed in the footage, “I’m in a decent state of health. Sure, there are a couple of concerns I’m tackling, but I believe I’m close to getting past them.”
O.J. Simpson’s life story, marked by his athletic achievements and later legal entanglements, remains a topic of significant public interest and debate. His death closes a chapter on a figure whose legacy is intertwined with American sports, media, and the legal system.
