Former NFL star OJ Simpson has died at the age of 76 after losing his battle with cancer, his family have announced.
On Thursday Simpson's family released a statement via his official X account that read:
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
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"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."
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In February 2024 it was widely reported that the former NFL running back was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
That month Simpson dismissed reports that he was staying in a hospice.
In a video posted to social media he said: "Hey X world, hospice? Hospice? You talking about hospice?
"No, I’m not in any hospice. I don’t know who put that out there.
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"I guess it’s like Donald [Trump] says, ‘You can’t trust the media.’
"In any event, I’m hosting a tonne of friends for the Super Bowl here in Las Vegas. All is well, you know. So take care, have a good Super Bowl weekend."
Simpson stared for the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, receiving five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and becoming the first running back to gain 2,000 yards in a single season.
After retirement in 1979, Simpson embarked on an acting career, starring in movies including the Naked Gun series.
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In 1994 he was charged with murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, after they were found stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home.
Simpson pleaded not guilty and was acquitted by a jury in October 1995 after one of the most high-profile murder trials in US history.
A civil lawsuit brought by the victims' families found him responsible for wrongful death and battery, and he was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
Topics: NFL
Alex Brotherton