Annie Walton Doyle
O.J. Simpson has died aged 76.
O.J. Simpson, born Orenthal James Simpson on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, was a former American football player, actor, and controversial figure in American culture.
Simpson rose to prominence as a star running back in college football at the University of Southern California (USC), where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1968.
He then went on to have a successful professional career in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Buffalo Bills and later with the San Francisco 49ers.
However, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when he was arrested and charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.
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But today, it’s been confirmed that Simpson has passed away aged 76.
During his NFL career, Simpson achieved numerous accolades, including six Pro Bowl selections and becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973.
He retired from professional football in 1979 and transitioned into a career in acting and broadcasting.
His most notable roles were playing Detective Nordberg in the 1988 cop spoof movie Naked Gun and Harry Jernigan in the 1974 disaster film Towering Inferno.
The highly publicized trial, known as the ‘Trial of the Century,’ captivated the nation and ended with Simpson’s acquittal in 1995, despite significant evidence against him.
The verdict remains one of the most controversial in American legal history.
“I don’t think most of America believes I did it,” Simpson told The New York Times in 1995, a week after he was acquitted.
“I’ve gotten thousands of letters and telegrams from people supporting me.”
Following the trial, Simpson’s life continued to be marred by legal troubles and controversies.
Simpson had spent his later years leaning into his notoriety, including titling his 2016 book If I Did It, the rights of which ended up going to Goldman’s family.
In 2007, he was arrested and convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, stemming from a confrontation over sports memorabilia. He was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison.
Simpson served nine years in prison before being granted parole in 2017.
But today, it’s been announced that the controversial figure has passed away aged 76.
His family made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
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“During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. The Simpson Family”
News of Simpson’s death this week has prompted a number of internet users to remember Nicole and Goldman, with many taking to X to share tributes.
“Peace and light to the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson,” one person writes.
Another X user posts: “RIP Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson!”
OJ had reportedly been battling prostate cancer in recent years, and his health took a turn for the worse of late, with him landing in hospice care within the past few months.
“My health is good,” he had told Twitter followers earlier this year in a post.
“Obviously I’m dealing with some issues, but hey I think I’m just about over it and I’ll be back on that golf course hopefully in a couple of weeks.”
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” his family confirms.
This is a breaking news story. More will follow.
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