Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was involved in a terrible car accident on Louisiana Highway 20 on December 17, 2024. The incident, which included allegations of reckless driving, left 78-year-old Herman Hall, a former Marine, dead and two injured. Now, Lacy is facing serious charges like negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle. An arrest warrant has been issued from the Louisiana State Police, and the case has called into question Lacy’s future both legally and professionally.
According to the report from the Louisiana State Police, Lacy, 24, was traveling southbound on Louisiana Highway 20 in a 2023 Dodge Charger when he attempted to overtake several vehicles at high speed by crossing into a no-passing zone, which caused a chain reaction among other motorists.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck “abruptly braked and steered to avoid the oncoming Lacy,” then “a northbound Kia Cadenza steered into the southbound lane to avoid the Charger and collided head-on into a southbound Kia Sorrento.”.
The crash was fatal for Herman Hall, a passenger in the Kia Sorrento, who later died of his injuries at the hospital. Hall was born and raised in Thibodaux and was a decorated Marine who is described as a pillar within his community. Making the matter graver, two others were injured during the accident. Lacy also is accused of fleeing the scene without attempting to help anyone, or even call police, which further elevates the severity of legal consequences.
Negligent Homicide: For the death of Herman Hall, allegedly caused by his acts.
Felony Hit-and-Run: For leaving the scene without assisting victims or reporting the incident.
Reckless Operation of a Vehicle: For his dangerous driving behavior in a no-passing zone.
The Louisiana State Police confirmed they were in contact with Lacy and his representatives to turn himself in. “The charges reflect the severity of the actions taken and the consequences of those actions,” the police spokesperson said. “This remains an ongoing investigation, and we are working to ensure justice will be served.”
Until the above allegations, Kyren Lacy was considered one of the most exciting players in football. This season, Lacy had recorded 58 receptions for 866 yards and nine touchdowns, making him one of the best players of LSU. Throughout his five-year collegiate career inclusive of time spent within the University of Louisiana, he gained 162 catches for 2,360 yards along with 26 touchdowns.
Just two days after the accident, Lacy announced that he was going to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft-a move that is unquestionably in question under these circumstances. He did not appear in LSU’s Texas Bowl win over Baylor on December 31 but had played well enough to consider himself a professional football player. Agent Rocky Arceneaux of Lacy said, “We are aware of the allegations that have been made regarding Kyren Lacy, and we would like to take this opportunity to address them. Kyren is cooperating fully with authorities. We strongly believe that the facts will ultimately demonstrate the truth, but we respect the need for a full and thorough investigation.”.
Calls to LSU Football declined to comment, citing respect for the legal process still at play. The incident sent shockwaves through the LSU community and beyond. Fans showed disappointment, added with worries about his contribution to the team. Residents in Thibodaux who knew both Lacy and Hall constitute Gulf Coast city where Nicholls resides with sadness and angered over what transpired. “This is a tragedy for all those involved,” said one local business owner.
