Football Tragedies 2025: Kyren Lacy, Jeremiah Kelly and More (2025)

Many former football stars, both at the collegiate and NFL levels, have died in 2025

Football fans were stunned to learn of the death of former Louisiana State University wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who was widely expected to be drafted into the NFL in 2025, on April 13.Lacy’s family confirmed his death to local news station WAFB-TV at the time. The LSU Athletic Department also confirmed his death, which reportedly occurred in the Houston, Texas, area. He was 24. Lacy led LSU in touchdowns last year with nine and had declared for the 2025 NFL draft — in December he was considered the No. 6 wide receiver in the 2025 class.Lacy, sadly, was not the only member of the football community who died this year. Scroll below to look back at the lives lost in 2025:

University of Cincinnati freshman Kelly died on Tuesday, April 22, the school announced.

“The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is mourning the loss of freshman football student-athlete Jeremiah Kelly, who passed unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning,” a statement read.

No cause of death was given. Kelly was 18 years old.

A native of Avon, Ohio, Kelly was an early enrollee who practiced with the football team during the spring semester in 2025.

The Missouri State University safety died in April 2025 after a possible “self-inflicted gunshot wound,” according to authorities. He was 21.

“On behalf of the university and our entire department, we want to express our condolences to Todric’s family, friends and teammates,” the school’s director of athletics, Patrick Ransdell, said in a statement. “This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core, and we want them to know we are here to support them in every way possible at this extremely difficult time.”

Lacy’s death was confirmed by relatives on April 13. Lacey had declared for the NFL Draft and was considered a probable pick after banner years at LSU. His death occurred months after he was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless driving. Lacy maintained his innocence and was scheduled to appear in court one day before his death was confirmed.

Twilly was a major part of the 1972 Miami Dolphins team that boasted a perfect season and was a star receiver for Tulsa for three seasons. He died on February 5 at the age of 81. After his football career ended, Twilley opened his own chain of sporting goods stores and coached Metro Christian Academy in Tulsa.

Jauron was both a player and a coach and was at the helm of the Chicago Bears when the team won the playoffs in 2001. He died February 8 at age 74 following a short illness. Jauron’s career in the NFL spanned 26 seasons, including eight as a player and 28 as a coach.

McCaskey was the daughter of Pro Football Hall of Fame player George Halas and also served as the main owner of the Bears from 1983 until her death on February 6 at age 102. Under her leadership, the Bears won five NFC Central Championships in a row.