O.J. Simpson Dead at 76, Family Announces on Social Media

Former NFL running back O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of murder in one of the most high-profile court cases in American history, has died at the age of 76, his family announced on his social media account.

Simpson had been battling cancer.

"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."

While Simpson's football career was heralded as both a Heisman Trophy winner at USC and as a legendary running back with the Buffalo Bills, it was off the field where Simpson became perhaps even more well-known. Simpson stood trial in the 1990s for the brutal double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Simpson was acquitted in 1995.

Simpson was convicted later in life on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, and faced a sentence of 33 years in prison beginning in December 2008. However, Simpson was granted parole in October 2017 after nearly nine years behind bars, and remained free for the rest of his life.