O.J. Simpson, the former NFL player famously acquitted in the double murder trial of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed his death on April 10, 2024, after reports circulated earlier this year that he had been battling prostate cancer. Simpson had previously shared in a video on social media that he was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, along with battling COVID-19. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends that Black men or men with a family history of cancer get screened for prostate cancer starting at age 40 due to their increased risk and likelihood of developing aggressive forms of the disease. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include trouble urinating, blood in urine and semen, bone pain, erectile dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss.
Simpson’s family did not specify the type of cancer that he had, but reports had suggested that he had prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and occurs in the walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid. The disease is most treatable when detected early and usually grows slowly within the prostate gland. Factors such as age, family history of cancer, race, and obesity can increase one’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Black men are particularly at risk for developing aggressive or advanced prostate cancer and are more likely to die from the disease compared to white men. It is not clear why this disparity exists, but research has shown that Black men are less likely to be screened for or receive treatment for prostate cancer.
Reports earlier this year had suggested that Simpson was undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer, though he did not specify the type of cancer he was battling. He had rejected claims of being in hospice in a video shared on social media, stating that he was hosting friends for the upcoming Super Bowl in Las Vegas and that “all is well.” Simpson’s family asked for privacy and grace during this period of transition as they mourn his passing. Simpson was a former NFL running back, actor, and broadcaster, best known for his acquittal in the highly-publicized murder trial in 1995. The trial was the subject of the Emmy Award-winning series “The People v. O.J. Simpson.”
The death of O.J. Simpson brings to a close the chapter on a controversial and tumultuous life that was marked by both athletic success and legal drama. His family’s statement did not specify the specific type of cancer that he succumbed to, but earlier reports had suggested that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Simpson had shared in a video that he was undergoing treatment for cancer and COVID-19, but appeared to be in good spirits. However, the battle with cancer ultimately took his life. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men and can be most effectively treated when caught early. Black men and those with a family history of cancer are at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer and should be screened starting at an earlier age. The reasons why Black men are at a greater risk for prostate cancer mortality compared to white men are not entirely clear.
Simpson’s legacy will always be intertwined with the events surrounding the murder trial of his ex-wife and her friend, as well as his subsequent acquittal that captivated the nation. Despite his controversial past, Simpson was a well-known figure in the sports world and beyond. His death marks the end of a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, leaving behind a complex legacy that will be remembered for years to come. As the family of O.J. Simpson mourns his passing and asks for privacy during this difficult time, the world reflects on the life of a man who was both celebrated and shrouded in controversy.
