Orenthal James Simpson, better known as OJ Simpson or “The Juice,” passed away on April 10th, 2024, at 76. His death marks the end of a life filled with both athletic glory and the enduring shadow of a brutal double murder.
Simpson rose to fame as a star running back and later became an actor and celebrity endorser. Yet, his life took a devastating turn in 1994 when he was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.
Cancer Battle and Passing
In recent years, Simpson battled several health issues. He candidly revealed a past cancer diagnosis in 2023 but later reported that he had overcome it. However, in early 2024, reports surfaced that his health was declining.
While he denied being in hospice care, he did not specifically address rumors regarding a resurgent cancer battle. Simpson ultimately succumbed to his illness, surrounded by his family.
The Trial that Captivated a Nation
On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found brutally murdered outside Nicole’s Los Angeles home. Simpson quickly became the prime suspect.
The ensuing arrest, his televised low-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco, and the lengthy, highly publicized trial gripped America.
Despite significant evidence against him, Simpson was acquitted in October 1995 in a verdict that sparked fierce debate and exposed deep racial divides.
Life After Acquittal
Though cleared of the murder charges, Simpson faced a civil suit from the victims’ families. In 1997, he was found liable for their deaths and ordered to pay millions in damages. His once-golden reputation tarnished, Simpson largely withdrew from the public eye.
In 2007, however, he was once again thrust into the spotlight. Simpson was arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping after he and several associates attempted to retrieve sports memorabilia at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel room. He was convicted and served nine years in prison before being granted parole in 2017.
A Complex Legacy
OJ Simpson’s life is a study in contradictions – a celebrated athlete whose name became synonymous with one of America’s most notorious crimes.
While his football prowess is undeniable, his legacy will forever be marred by the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
FAQs
How old was OJ Simpson when he died?
OJ Simpson was 76 years old.
What type of cancer did OJ Simpson have?
Though his earlier bout with cancer was public, the specifics of his final illness were not disclosed.
Was OJ Simpson ever found guilty of murder?
No, he was acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in the 1995 criminal trial. However, he was later found liable for their deaths in a civil lawsuit.
Where did OJ Simpson live after prison?
After his release from prison, Simpson settled in Las Vegas, Nevada.
