OJ Simpson has died

Former American Footballer and actor OJ Simpson has died, his family has confirmed.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.” the statement said.

“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,” the statement concluded.

He was 76.

Full name Orenthal James Simpson, he rose from college football to join the Buffalo Bills in 1969, where he played until 1977. Renowned as one of the NFL’s greatest ball carriers, he made history in 1973 as the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. He retired in 1979.

But his infamy was over the death of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her companion Ron Goldman in 1994 for which he was implicated. In what was one of the most followed trials, Simpson was acquitted.

His troubles with the law would not end there, as he was arrested in 2008 for armed robbery. He was released in 2017 while surviving a 33-year-sentence.