O.J. Simpson, the name synonymous with one of America’s most sensational trials, passed away at the age of 76.
What Was O.J. Simpson’s Cause of Death?
Simpson’s family announced his passing on Wednesday (April 10), attributing it to his recent battle with cancer. The former football star revealed his diagnosis just two months prior, indicating an advanced stage of the disease.
An X post shared on his official account by his family stated: “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. 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.”
A Storied Life
Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, Simpson dominated college football at USC, earning the nickname “The Juice” for his electrifying speed. He gained fame as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, clinching the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and becoming the first overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. Simpson’s NFL career was stellar, marked by records and accolades that established him as a sports icon.
However, his athletic achievements were later overshadowed by his trial and controversial acquittal for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. The trial, dubbed the “trial of the century,” was a media sensation that divided the nation and left a permanent mark on his public image.
Despite the acquittal, Simpson’s reputation was tarnished, and the latter part of his life was marked by various legal issues. Following the acquittal, he was found civilly liable for the murders and ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to the Brown and Goldman families. In 2008, he was sentenced to nine to 33 years in prison for armed robbery in Nevada.
Wife and Family
Simpson married his first wife Marguerite Whitley in 1967, and they had two children, Arnelle and Jason. The couple also shared daughter Aaren who was born in 1977 but died just one month before her second birthday in 1979 after drowning in the family’s pool.
They divorced in 1979 – when Simpson was already seeing Nicole – who was 20 to his 32.
Simpson was married to Nicole Brown Simpson from 1985 until their divorce in 1993.
About a year after their separation, Nicole was tragically murdered alongside Ron Goldman, an event that would forever alter the course of Simpson’s life.
Nicole Brown’s family are yet to speak publicly about his death, but Ron Goldman’s father told the Daily Mail that Simpson’s death was ‘no great loss’.
“The only thing that I have to say today is that this is a further reminder of the loss of my son Ron… His death is a reminder that Ron and Nicole were murdered by him. I am not going react to my thoughts about him dying.”
He concluded: “I have nothing to say about him. My response will not be about OJ’s death but about he loss of my son’s life by him.”
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Simpson’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. His financial situation was a far cry from the peak of his wealth, which was significantly impacted by the legal battles and civil lawsuits that followed the murder trial. Despite these challenges, Simpson maintained financial stability through his NFL pension.
