Former American football great, Orenthal James Simpson, better known as OJ Simpson, has died.
According to his family, the football legend, who went through a celebrated but complicated trial over the 1994 gruesome murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, died Wednesday after an unsuccessful battle with cancer.
“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,” a family statement said.
Nicknamed “The Juice” during his days, Simpson was ultimately acquitted of the murder charges against him after a protracted trial. His battle with cancer began in May 2023 when he announced, via his X handle that he is suffering from the disease.
Pointing out that he “had to do the whole chemo thing”, he also added that “It looks like I beat it.”
However, he did not specify the nature of the disease.
February of 2024, reports had it that he had begun another round of treatment for the disease following an obvious relapse. He however, denied the report that he was in any hospice care.
But he acknowledged days later that indeed he is having health issues which he said he was overcoming.
“My health is good. I mean, obviously I’m dealing with some issues but I think I’m just about over it.” he wrote on X.
He died at 76 years.
