Kyren Lacy’s Attorney Speaks on Fatal Crash Charges.
After the arrest of former LSU football player Kyren Lacy, 24, on several charges related to a fatal crash in December 2024, his defense attorney, Matthew Ory, has issued a statement clarifying the details of the incident. This follows the arrest warrant issued by Louisiana State Police on January 10, 2025, regarding the crash that tragically took the life of 78-year-old Herman Hall.
Matthew Ory expressed his intention to address the charges of negligent homicide and provide clarity on the facts surrounding the event.
"As the defense attorney for Kyren Lacy, I wish to address the charges of negligent homicide and clarify the facts surrounding this tragic incident," said Ory. "On the day of the accident, Mr. Lacy was driving on a road with two lanes in each direction. While he briefly passed other vehicles, he safely reentered his lane without incident."
Matthew Ory further explained that the collision that led to Mr. Hall’s death was not caused by Lacy’s actions. "The accident occurred directly in front of him when a second vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed the centerline and collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle, in which he was a passenger. We are of information and belief that the vehicle that collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle was issued a citation. At no time did Mr. Lacy’s vehicle strike the rear of Mr. Herman’s vehicle, nor did any of the vehicles Mr. Lacy passed collide with his."
Ory continued to emphasise that after the crash, Lacy took cautious steps to avoid further accidents, ensuring he passed the scene safely. "After the collision occurred in front of Mr. Lacy, he cautiously went around the vehicles after passage was safe."
Lacy’s attorney also addressed misconceptions surrounding the incident. "It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved. Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never ‘returned’ to the scene of the accident," said Ory.
In response to the criticism of Lacy's actions following the incident, including sharing graduation pictures and engaging in training, Matthew Ory stated, "Mr. Lacy’s actions following the incident… were never intended to minimize the tragedy that occurred. He did not believe he was at fault for the accident, and as such, he continued with his daily activities. Throughout his career, Mr. Lacy has been an exemplary community member and teammate. We ask that he not be judged prematurely, and we are confident that further investigation will show he acted within the bounds of the law."
Kyren Lacy was released from the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on January 12, 2025, after posting bail of $151,000. Lacy, who concluded his college football career in 2024 with nine touchdown catches and ranking second in receptions (58) and receiving yards (866), is currently ranked No. 163 among NFL Draft prospects by Pro Football Focus.
As the investigation continues, Lacy's defense team remains confident that further details will clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident, and Lacy's innocence will be fully established.
There have been a few notable incidents involving LSU players in the past, where players were involved in accidents, though each case was unique. Here are a couple of examples:
- Devin Thomas (2009): In 2009, LSU football player Devin Thomas was involved in a tragic accident where he was struck by a car while walking across a highway in Baton Rouge. Thomas suffered serious injuries but survived. The driver was not charged in the incident, and Thomas later spoke out about the importance of being cautious and aware when crossing roads.
- Jeremy Hill (2014): In 2014, former LSU running back Jeremy Hill was involved in a controversial incident when he was charged with misdemeanor battery after an altercation outside a Baton Rouge bar. While it was not a vehicular accident, this incident raised concerns about player conduct and the consequences of off-field actions for LSU players.
- 2016 Baton Rouge shooting: While not directly involving LSU players, a shooting in Baton Rouge (where LSU is based) raised awareness about the challenges that student-athletes in major programs face in terms of public attention and safety. LSU players have occasionally been involved in violent confrontations or accidents, although these incidents often don’t receive as much media attention.
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