Kyren Lacy’s parents have different recollections of how former LSU football head coach Brian Kelly reacted to their son’s death.
After the university confirmed on Sunday, October 26, that Kelly, 64, had been fired after nearly four seasons as head coach, Kyren’s father Kenny Lacy seemingly celebrated the school’s decision on social media.
“This dude actually came [to] sit down with our family and showed us some real genuine love when my son died along with a couple other coaches,” Kenny wrote via Facebook on Monday, October 27, sharing a photo of interim head coach Frank Wilson. “I didn’t even get a call or text from that dude in the back [Brian Kelly]. Must be nice to get paid millions to get your walking papers.. Let’s get it coach Frank.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Kelly’s team for comment.
Kyren’s mother Kandace Washington, however, shared a separate statement that praised Coach Kelly for his kindness on and off the football field.
“I can only speak for myself, my sons, and my family — but Coach Brian Kelly absolutely called me after Kyren passed, and we spoke more than once,” Washington wrote via Instagram on Monday. “Coach Sloan met with me as well, along with much of the LSU staff. Coach Kelly even spoke beautifully at Kyren’s funeral, honoring his life and the impact he made on and off the field. The LSU coaches, staff, players and community have shown our family nothing but love and support.”
More than six months after Kyren died by suicide while inside his vehicle on April 12 at the age of 24 after a police chase, Washington says she is “forever grateful for the opportunity, the memories and the kindness shown to us. Wishing Coach Kelly, Coach Sloan and the entire LSU family continued blessings and success 💜💛.”
Kyren was a standout on LSU’s football team before he was declared for the NFL Draft in December 2024
Kyren was facing felony charges stemming from a December 2024 car accident that killed former Marine Herman Hall, 78, prior to the police chase and his untimely death. At the time of the accident, authorities believed Kyren had caused the fatal crash before fleeing the scene.
Earlier this month, Kyren’s attorney, Matt Ory, told HTV 10 that new evidence seems to contradict the alleged circumstances of the December crash.
With the holidays approaching, Kyren’s mom is hoping to pay it forward after her son’s death. In her latest social media post, Washington highlighted the Kyren K2 Foundation’s upcoming event.
The non profit founded in memory of Kyren is committed to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
“P.S. The @kyrenk2foundation will be hosting its 2nd annual Turkey drive in Thibodaux Louisiana on Saturday November 22, 2025 from 11am-1pm if you would like to donate to this amazing event, click the link in our bio to donate!” Washington’s statement read. “We are excited to be able to feed the community we love and honor!! 💜💛 #LLK2 #KyrenLacy #KyrenK2Foundation #Gratitude #LSUFamily #ForeverThankful.”
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