O.J. Simpson dies at 76

O.J. Simpson—celebrated for his NFL career and later marred by legal controversies—passed away at the age of 76 in Las Vegas battling prostate cancer, his family announced yesterday.

Born in 1947, Simpson went on to win the Heisman Trophy in college and achieved numerous football records. He also had a successful career in movies, television and advertising.

However, he gained worldwide attention during his 1994 trial in which he was acquitted of the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Both were found stabbed to death.

Simpson was charged with the murders. He ran from the authorities, which led to a police car chase watched by more than 90 million people.

Once caught, he was presented in court in what the media outlets dubbed the “Trial of the Century.”

The court proceedings drew in massive audiences for news channels. Experts believe it was Simpson’s trial that gave birth to the 24-hour news cycle.

Legal turmoil and prison time
Despite his controversial acquittal by the jury in the criminal trial, Simpson faced further legal challenges, including a 2007 conviction for robbery and kidnapping. He served time in prison before being released on parole in 2017.

Throughout his life, Simpson’s story captivated the nation, sparking discussions about justice, race relations and celebrity culture.

A lot of people close to the case became popular. One such person was Kris Jenner, whose ex-husband, Robert Kardashian, was a part of Simpson’s legal team.