OJ is Dead
In May 2023, Simpson reported that he had been diagnosed with cancer and expressed confidence that he would beat it.[173] He also said he started chemotherapy.[2] In February 2024, it was reported that Simpson was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.[174] A week and a half before his death, Simpson cancelled a scheduled memorabilia signing because he was not feeling well.[175] In the final days before his death, all of Simpso
n's children visited him.[176] He died of the disease on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76.[177][16] At the time, Simpson had been living in Las Vegas, right next to the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club.[16]
Simpson's death was met with mixed reactions, with his legal history overshadowing his sporting achievements.[178] The NFL originally reported Simpson's death with an Associated Press copy,[179] and neither the Bills, 49ers, or USC published any condolences or tributes following his death.[180] The Goldman family issued a statement that read, "The hope for true accountability has ended... Thank you for keeping our family, and most importantly Ron, in your hearts".[181][182] White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a short statement, "Our thoughts are with his families during this difficult time... I know that they have asked for some privacy and so we're going to respect that."[183] Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith mentioned, "One of the greatest athletes we have ever seen... But it all pales in comparison to him being perceived as a double murderer."[184][185] David Zucker, director of The Naked Gun movies, posted a picture of Simpson on his Instagram, with the caption, "His acting was a lot like his murdering: He got away with it, but no one believed him."[186]
It was announced that his body will be cremated in Las Vegas. Scientists had requested for Simpson's brain to be studied for signs of CTE, but the Simpson estate refused.[187][188] The executor of Simpson's estate initially announced plans to fight the estate's money going to the Brown and Goldman families[189] but reversed course soon after.[190]